Souths Cares is celebrating the hard work and success of Melisha Winters, a participant in the Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program who is currently completing her School-Based Traineeship, studying for her HSC and playing elite pathways Rugby League.
Melisha attends Alexandria Park Community College and is a dedicated learner and leader amongst her peers. Her favourite subjects align with her areas of passion which include Aboriginal Studies and Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies; where she achieved top-marks in her class for a recent assessment task.
In addition to studying for her HSC, Melisha is also completing a School-Based Traineeship in Tourism at Taronga Zoo, which enables her to pursue another passion in working with animals.
A typical day at Taronga Zoo sees Melisha work across multiple areas of the business including customer service, the Seal enclosure and Bird enclosure; ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience and learn about animal conservation whilst visiting Sydney’s iconic harbour-side Zoo.
Melisha also plays Rugby League with the South Sydney Rabbitohs Tarsha Gale team, which involves training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and playing on weekends.
Souths Cares Mentors have been supporting Melisha pursue her goals and providing her assistance in juggling her busy commitments with her Traineeship, Education and Rugby League.
Brittney Simpson, Mentor for the Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program explained she is proud of Melisha’s dedication across a number of areas.
Brittney Simpson, Nanga Mai Marri Program MentorMelisha is always trying her hardest at any task put in front of her at work, school, home or in her sporting career. Melisha is resilient, she never gives up and I am very proud of the young lady she is becoming.
Melisha is on track to complete her Traineeship in July and obtain her HSC at the end of this year. Her longer term goals are to play in the NRLW, continue working at Taronga Zoo after she completes her Traineeship and have a career where she can work with Indigenous youth.
Melisha shared some advice for other Indigenous students wanting to pursue their dreams.
“You can’t let fear dictate your future. If an opportunity arises don’t doubt yourself and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish with through hard-work.”
Melisha will continue to be supported by Souths Cares Nanga Mai Marri and Barranggirra Programs as she completes her Traineeship, studies for her HSC and commences her career pathway after school.
