Life-changing skills turn hardship into purpose

National Skills Week (24-30 August) celebrates the life-changing power of skills and for The Gordon Diploma of Community Services student, Mary Iuta, that theme couldn't be more fitting.

After experiencing significant personal loss and adversity, Mary made the decision to pursue a career where she could support others facing their own challenges.

I chose to study the Diploma of Community Services because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives. My own personal journey, which has included loss, grief and major life challenges, has helped shape who I am today. Those experiences have taught me resilience, empathy and the importance of genuine human connection.

For Mary, studying at The Gordon has been about more than gaining a qualification. It has been an opportunity to transform personal experience into practical skills that can help others.

"The Diploma of Community Services allows me to turn that passion into purpose," she said.

Through her studies, Mary has developed skills in trauma-informed and person-centred practice, preparing her to work with people experiencing issues such as disability, mental health challenges, family violence, homelessness and grief.

"This course has inspired me to grow both personally and professionally. It has helped me understand how much impact kindness, compassion and respect can have in someone’s life."

Mary's journey has not been without challenges.

Losing my son was the hardest experience of my life and there were moments when studying while carrying that grief felt almost impossible. But instead of giving up, I used that pain to find purpose. My journey has made me stronger, more understanding and more determined to help others who are going through their own hardships.

Alongside her studies, Mary has volunteered in community meal programs, helping provide connection and support for people experiencing difficult circumstances.

"Overall, studying community services has given me more than just knowledge, it's given me purpose."

Her dedication to community service and leadership recently saw her recognised as The Gordon's 2026 Health and Human Services Excellence Award recipient.

Mary believes the skills she has gained at The Gordon have fundamentally changed her outlook on life and strengthened her ability to make a meaningful contribution to her community.

"When I talk about my course, I always describe it as life-changing, not just for what I've learnt, but for how it's shaped me as a person."

As National Skills Week shines a spotlight on the power of vocational education and training, Mary hopes her story encourages others, especially those who have experienced hardship, to pursue their goals.

"I believe in the power of education and I'd love to encourage others, especially those who have faced challenges to follow their dreams, learn new skills and believe in themselves the way I have."

For Mary, the theme of National Skills Week is clear.

For me, community services isn't just a career choice: it's a calling, it’s life changing.

Explore our courses in Community Services