Sue Edwards   When I began my course with the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors I didn't know what to expect as I hadn't studied since leaving school. I was very surprised how easy it was to follow the units and how good the Study Assistance Line was. At the time I was working in Health Promotion for the WA Department of Health, where I had the support of my Manager who encouraged me as I continued to work full time whilst studying.   Shortly after starting the Diploma, I traveled to Sydney where I completed the course for volunteers wishing to work on the telephone line for Family Drug Support. This gave me valuable experience whilst enabling me to help people who were in distress due to their own, or someone they knew, use of drugs.   After attaining my Diploma, I applied for a place at Edith Cowan University for the next semester, BA Psychology (Addiction Studies).   My son moved to Sydney and consequently I sought employment in counseling with various agencies in NSW. I left WA for Campbelltown NSW where I took up a position as Counsellor/Access Worker. I worked with a team of very dedicated and professional counselors who were committed to helping women who had experienced domestic violence.   I enjoyed working with and for women and I am still studying externally for my BA. I also provided Centrelink with Domestic Violence Workplace Training and Assist Suicide Prevention Training. This experience has helped me to run workshops and groups.   I have since taken up a position as Coordinator/Counsellor for a sexual assault/abuse centre in the Pilbara. I deliver sexual assault training to communities and counseling to survivors of sexual assault and abuse. At the present time, I am putting in place strategies to take our services into the Aboriginal Communities as a result of the Gordon Enquiry.   I consider that I am an example of how, by starting a new career, you can change your life and follow your dream.