Stephan Turk: Using their voice to help
Western Sydney University student Stephan Turk has always had a strong desire to help people.
The 27-year-old Currans Hill resident was living and working abroad when they embarked on their higher education journey, with the goal of becoming a psychotherapist and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
“Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, my answer was always the same, I want to help people by talking with them,” said Stephan.
After high school, Stephan dedicated time to travel, self-discovery and enriching their life experiences. They are now pursuing a Bachelor of Social Sciences and working towards becoming a psychotherapist.
As the first in their family to attend university, Stephan was unsure what the experience would bring and so far, has found the journey enjoyable and empowering.
“The academic staff have been encouraging and supportive. They have challenged me and expanded my knowledge on topics that I had never encountered before,” Stephan said.
“This approach helps foster a safe learning environment for us to engage with the content, ask questions and ensure that I am getting the most out of my degree.”
Choosing Western Sydney University was an easy decision for Stephan, largely because of the genuine support and care they received when inquiring about their degree options.
“The versatility in the content we are being taught is extremely valuable to me. It’s also encouraging to me that there is a holistic approach to professional outcomes, which aligns with my approach to working,” said Stephan
Beyond academics, Stephan had the opportunity to continue travelling and was able to attend a summer unit in Vietnam. The experience allowed them to experience not only another country and culture, it also gave them an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real world settings.
“It was absolutely fantastic not only because I learned about a new country, but it opened my eyes to a whole new world and contributed in a meaningful way to my learning. I would encourage any student to do this as part of their degree at some point!”
ENDS
30 April 2025
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