Honouring the future of social work at 2024 Awards

The event was hosted in Ōtehā, with members of the Social Work team alongside friends and whānau of the recipients in attendance.

Senior Lecturer and Master of Applied Social Work (MAppSW) Coordinator Dr Hagyun Kim says that the School is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the students through four prestigious awards.

“These awards recognise excellence in academics, leadership and field placement. This year, we are delighted to honour Grace and Jacinta for their exceptional performance in placement, as well as Hawa and Lee-Anne for their remarkable academic performance and leadership. Each of these students are truly deserving of these accolades, having consistently demonstrated dedication, hard work and served as exemplary role models for their peers. I look forward to seeing how their skills and passion help shape the future of our profession. Well done and congratulations once again.”

Social Work Practice Award – MAppSW first year

Inspired by her father’s career as a mental health nurse, Grace Amick initially pursued undergraduate studies in psychology but soon felt drawn to social work.

“The final push came from a conversation with a manuhiri at the restaurant where I worked. We spoke about his career in social work, and he suggested I would flourish in the field. I went home that night and applied to Massey, which has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I have a purpose and studying something I feel so connected to makes the long days and nights enriching.”

Over the past year, Grace has experienced highs and lows, which she credits with helping her build resilience and strength both as a person and a healthcare professional.

“Social work can be a thankless profession, so being recognised for the mahi we put in feels amazing. I’m lucky to have had exceptional support which has cemented my passion for mental health work. I am excited to explore this more in my career and continue building my skills.”

Leaving school at 15, Grace packed three years of high school education into her university papers to achieve the grades needed for her undergraduate degree and postgraduate study. She says she’s glad she pushed through and did the hard yards.

‘I wish I could tell my 15-year-old self where I’d be 11 years later. I’ve learned there is no set time frame for success, and my path will look different from that of my friends and whānau. I’m excited to see what next year brings for my personal and professional growth.”

For future social work students, Grace emphasises the importance of embracing challenges.

“My best advice is to approach your worldview with curiosity and without judgement, while also nourishing your relationships with whānau and friends. It’s an honour to make a difference in the lives of those facing difficult challenges and to be part of their journey. However, remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup – take care of yourself first.”

Social Work Practice Award – MAppSW second year

Previously a junior lawyer in a private law firm in India, Jacinta Saldanha was assigned to defend offenders until she encountered a case where a young child had endured sexual abuse.

“She had no understanding of what was happening in court and was being retraumatised by the legal process. In that moment, I realised I needed to be on her side. I left the firm and joined a non-governmental organisation providing social and legal support to victims of family and sexual harm. Since then, I have been fully committed to supporting vulnerable women and children – a passion and profession that never tires me.”

Since beginning her social work journey, Jacinta has discovered the power of compassion and the importance of being patient, both with others and herself.

“I have seen people who have endured years of trauma finally begin to believe in their own strength, and that has moved me deeply. It has taught me that real change is often slow and fragile, but profoundly transformative. Even in the darkest moments, hope can grow, and being part of someone’s healing is the greatest gift I could ever receive.”

Jacinta says she feels honoured to be a recipient of the Social Work Practice Award.

“It’s incredible! On a personal level, I feel that all my efforts at Massey have been worthwhile and that my decision to take an academic sabbatical at my age has been vindicated. Professionally, this award strengthens my resolve to keep learning and building competence in my field while growing as a person and professional. To future social work students: don’t hesitate to be led by your heart, but be sure to take care of it. This work is hard, but incredibly powerful. Remember you have the ability to make a difference, even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.”

Academic Excellence Award

For Hawa Lee, succeeding in academia has always been important. This stemmed from the sacrifices her parents made to ensure she could access higher education.

“It’s very validating and rewarding to be recognised for the efforts I’ve put in throughout the year and I’m very grateful. While this accomplishment may open doors in the future, truth be told, my academic journey has always been about honouring the opportunities my parents have provided me.”

The most impactful experiences for Hawa have come during placements.

“Seeing and interacting with individuals who are experiencing significant adversities in their lives is a truly humbling experience. I’m grateful that every morning I can wake up without having to worry about the challenges many others face, without fear of those around me and without being incapacitated by my own mind.”

Hawa has some sage advice for future social work students.

“Look after yourself, manage your time well and reach out to your lecturers for support as they are incredibly understanding. Also, connect with others because there is a wealth of knowledge in the classroom.”

Te Tohu Iti Kahurangi Award

It was her psychology studies that inspired Lee-Anne Tatana, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, to pursue a career in social work, leading her to work in women’s refuges for nearly a decade.

“While there is no formal Māori branch of psychology, I was drawn to the idea of applying psychological principles within a Māori context. I couldn’t relate to the Western approach of measuring individuals as it doesn’t align with tikanga Māori. My experience working alongside other Māori women in women’s refuges was incredibly inspiring. I developed a newfound respect for feminism and a strong desire to improve the status and wellbeing of Māori women.”

Through her work in social work, Lee-Anne has found that helping others has also been a path to healing for herself.

“I have been able to process and release past traumas. The journey has deepened my understanding of why these experiences occurred. As a result, my wairua has healed and I feel more whole.”

Lee-Anne was surprised to learn she was the recipient of the Te Tohu Iti Kahurangi Award, which honours a student for exceptional field practice, academic excellence and navigating ethical challenges in their study or placement.

“This achievement recognises my collective community, including my whānau and hapū. On a professional level, it acknowledges everyone I’ve encountered throughout the past two years of the programme.”

Lee-Anne says she encourages tangata whenua to come to Massey and treat it like a marae.

“Treat the lecturers like rangatira, kuia and kaumatua and build relationships with them. Treat the classes like wananga. Never doubt our mātauranga Māori or te ao Māori. Stand as tangata whenua and practice tikanga Māori.”

Interested in a career change to social work?

If you’re looking to become a registered social worker but don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work, Massey’s Master of Applied Social Work is the qualification for you. Discover how you can leverage your undergraduate degree and become a registered social worker within two years by joining our upcoming webinar on Wednesday 16 October 2024.

To learn more and sign up, click here.