Rose turned her struggles with mental health and substance abuse into something positive. She works as an alcohol and drugs caseworker at Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) while completing her Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs. From the ages of six to 12, Rose constantly moved to different women’s shelters to escape family violence. Her schooling was interrupted and by the age of 12 she moved out of home. She experienced substance abuse as a teenager but managed to go back to school and finish Year 12. After spending six years in community services roles, Rose found her passion for working with teenagers. At YSAS, Rose helps teenagers with everything related to drug and alcohol addiction, which could range from psychosocial to legal issues. She meets her clients in the community, offers counselling services and links them to other services they need.

Rose wants to break down the stigma around mental health and drug and alcohol abuse in her South Sudanese community.

In 2022 Rose’s best friend died and later that year the father of her eldest son passed away. The support from her teachers and classmates helped her through this time. She also used the counselling service at Chisholm to manage her grief.

Rose’s teachers were impressed by how well she balanced schoolwork, community service and personal challenges. She has achieved distinctions and high distinctions in her bachelor’s degree. Rose was always ready to guide her peers, join in meaningful talks and encourage those in need. Her leadership in class and efforts in youth and mental health advocacy have helped those around her.

Rose has featured in two newspaper articles: one highlighted her views on the psychological challenges faced by her community, and the second featured her advocacy work in mental health awareness. She has also featured as a panellist for the Undone podcast, to showcase the work she does at NAS Recovery Centre.

After her degree, Rose plans to study a master’s in social work.

Rose is a winner of the 2025 Chisholm Education Awards Higher Education Student of the Year – Domestic.

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