2023 is shaping up as a huge year for Merinda Carney who is studying for her HSC, completing her Certificate 3 in Health and Fitness, working part time whilst also playing representative sport in Rugby League and Oz-tag.
Merinda is a Year 12 student at SEDA College and has been a participant in Souths Cares’ Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program for the past two years. Merinda has always been a motivated young person who isn’t afraid of getting out her comfort zone to achieve her aspirations.
A major achievement for Merinda was securing her first job at Target. Through the Nanga Mai Marri Program, Merinda worked closely with her mentor to increase her job readiness, develop a resume and complete on-line applications with large scale retail employers. The skills and confidence Merinda developed through individual mentoring and group workshops enabled her to independently apply for employment.
Merinda was thrilled to be offered a job interview at Target, where she excelled in her first job interview and showcased her hardworking attitude, willingness to learn new skills and her proven ability to work within a team environment.
Merinda commenced employment in November last year and has since become a valued member of the team. Merinda has a passion for customer service, with a typical shift seeing her handling in-store customer enquiries and phone enquiries, assisting customers on the floor, working on cash registers and handling cash and eftpos transactions.
Natalee Rolani-Golding, Nanga Mai Marri Mentor explained Merinda is a great role model for her peers.
“Merinda is a great role model who is devoted to being an uplifting leader within her school, peer group and community. I couldn’t be prouder of her commitment to achieving her goals through the Nanga Mai Marri Program”, Natalee said.
Whilst Merinda is proud of her achievements to date, she’s determined to make 2023 another successful year.
“Getting my first job was a huge milestone for me, and I’m looking forward working hard this year on gaining my HSC and setting a great platform for life after school.
Natalee has helped me achieve so many goals already and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive mentoring program”, Merinda said.
Merinda will continue to be supported through the Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program as she studies for her HSC and aims to complete her Certificate 3 in Health and Fitness by December 2023.
After she finishes school, Merinda has aspirations of becoming a Health and Fitness Instructor which will enable her to support other people achieve their own health and fitness goals.
