Student of the Year giving her share of welfare

13 May 2008

Carramar resident and mother of two, Jana Preuss, has just been named ‘West Coast TAFE Student of the Year’ for her commitment and passion towards helping people with mental illness.

Born in Korea, adopted as a young child and raised in Germany, Jana arrived in WA at the age of 16.   Following a rocky road filled with cultural differences, financial constraints and personal set-backs, Jana fought the odds and has made significant achievements through her study in Community Welfare Work at West Coast TAFE.

Juggling two North Metropolitan Area Health Service part-time Welfare Officer jobs at Graylands and Sir Charles Gardiner Hospitals with university study in social science, Jana hopes to one day establish her own support service for adults who were adopted as children.

“As someone who was adopted myself, I want to draw on my own up-bringing and experiences to make a difference to the lives of other people who are going through the same thing,” said Jana.

Graylands Hospital’s Social Work Supervisor, Ann Brown, said that even during Jana’s practical placement at the hospital, her astonishing commitment to providing high-quality care to their patients was evident.

“Jana helps our patients with a whole range of issues including finance, accommodation and education,” she said.  “She does her absolute best for every patient in every situation and it doesn’t surprise me at all that she is being recognised for her hard work and compassion.”

Managing Director for West Coast TAFE, Sue Slavin also congratulated Jana on her achievements. 

“Jana’s story is heart-warming,” she said.  “Overcoming adversity, she has grown into an inspirational young woman who is making a difference to the lives of patients with mental illness.”

“She sees the good in everything and everyone and is not only an ambassador for West Coast TAFE, but for all people working in her field.”

Jana joined four other training excellence award winners (see profiles overleaf) and over 100 industry award winners at West Coast TAFE’s annual Awards Evening on Wednesday 7 May at Christian City Church, Padbury.

Jana is a nominee in the 2008 WA Student Awards run by the Department of Education & Training announced in September this year.