Recent award winner Tamrin Grigoratos talks with us about her journey with Whitelion

Recent award winner Tamrin Grigoratos talks with us about her journey with Whitelion
Dec 14, 2018

We spoke with Tamrin Grigoratos from Whitelion WA about her journey with Whitelion following her recent win of the Youth Work WA ‘Youth Futures WA Emerging Youth Worker” Award for her contribution to the sector. 

Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to pursue Youth Work as a career?

I have been working as a youth worker for the last two and a half years and have just recently completed my Bachelor in Psychology majoring in Youth Work. I chose my degree because I have always been interested in the complexities of mental health and how all aspects of life influence a person’s wellbeing. I chose youth as my focus because I feel that this cohort represents hope and possibilities, and that’s a really exciting thing to be involved in.

What do you love about what you do?

It’s awesome to reflect back and see how far a young person has come while working with them. Day to day the small wins don’t always seem like much but when combined you realise that these are the differences that count! Also, the nature of the job challenges your flexibility and ensures that every day is different.

What have you found challenging since entering the sector?

The flexibility aspect is both a positive and a negative. Sometimes things just don’t go as planned for whatever reason and you have to start again and make a new plan (even if you were sure the first plan was an absolute winner!)

What does your day look like?

My roles include youth activities officer, based at Dungeon Youth Centre and case management. If I am in the office I am planning programs, or I’m out and about with clients, and I facilitate drop in sessions in the afternoons.

What is it about working for Whitelion that you love?

I love being part of an organisation that embraces the diversity of our clients. I feel that we have an excellent understanding of our young people and I’m thankful that our job titles aren’t confining, allowing us to do whatever it takes to assist our young people.