Michelle Less I started my studies with A.I.P.C. in April 2001 and I finally graduated in September 2005 and I must admit that I felt like I'd never finish. I'd set a goal for two years but apart from the normal challenges and hiccups in everyday life that hold you up as a sole mum of three, working part-time and volunteer work, other challenges came my way. I definitely consider myself to have had the opportunity over and over to put some of the skills I was learning to great use in helping others deal with the tragedies they were going through.   The last four and a half years have certainly been a time of self-development for myself due to the subjects we covered in the Diploma. I was able through my studies to find my strengths and draw on them when they were most needed. My cousin who I am very close to had two schizophrenic breakdowns and nearly died a third time due to over medicating herself: My daughter at ten years old lost her half sisters Fiancé to suicide. She was devastated and getting her through that was hard work. A close friend and her husband lost their baby at three days old and my family lost two wonderful uncles and my grandmother.   Most tragically of all, was in April this year when my brother's only child (23 years old, a gentle and lovely boy with an l8 month old son of his own) killed his mother and four year old half sister in a psychotic frenzy. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and is now in a psychiatric ward in W.A. awaiting trial. My brother was devastated and suicidal. He would not accept the counselling offered to him but said he would talk to me. This truly was my greatest challenge as I worried about my brother's mental state. I frantically researched schizophrenia so I could help him and the rest of the family understand the disease. We were all reeling in shock and had many mixed emotions towards my nephew.   I was extremely grateful at this time that I was doing this course as it enabled me to separate myself from my own emotions in order to help my brother. My brother will never be the same again, as many in this tragedy won't, but he has come to deal with this, and is a wonderful grandfather to his little grandson and is supporting his son through the long ordeal ahead of him.   Rob Carrigan was understanding and patient throughout my challenges and encouraged me to keep going and I'm happy that I did. Recently I was offered a position with Student Care Welfare Qld. counselling children 7 to 17 and I have just commenced my advanced study major in Abuse and Abuse Trauma Counselling. A.I.P.C. has a wonderful support team so no matter how hard the road is, keep going it's worth it in the end and the skills you learn are valuable tools for life.