Georgia King, BASc, MSCW (Applied): serving the community at heart of social work career
Georgia King.
What was your reaction to receiving the award, and what does it mean to you?
My reaction was a mix of surprise and elation, and then a deep sense of gratefulness. It was an honour to be recognised for my mahi, and to be able to shine a light on the spaces I have worked in was also very special.
What have you done since graduation and what are you doing now?
In December 2023, I graduated with a Master of Social and Community Work (Applied), which was a momentous occasion for myself and my whānau. I am now a registered social worker, and will be beginning a job as a social worker at Dunedin Hospital. After spending my final placement here, I knew this was an area of social work that well aligned with my values and I am looking forward to using all the skills and knowledge the Social and Community Work programme at the University of Otago has provided me with.
What inspires and motivates you to work in the areas you are involved with? Do you have plans for the future?
Ōtepoti is my home, so serving my community felt very natural to me. I’m a very passionate person, and knew that if provided with the space, I could use this as a tool to help guide me in supporting those in my community. While sexual violence, and health and disability have been my main focuses over the last few years, my interests are ever-changing and expanding. I love learning, and I think my love of learning will guide me towards future endeavours, whatever they may be!
What were the highlights of your time at Otago, and has it helped or influenced you in your career and following your interests?
Te Whare Tāwharau, the sexual violence support and prevention centre at the University of Otago, and the mahi that they do is incredibly special and important, and my time volunteering and working there are definitely highlights of my time at Otago. My time with Te Whare Tāwharau inspired me to study social work, and for that I am truly grateful. The Social and Community Work programme and my fellow peers strengthened my passions, and I feel so lucky to have found a community of such wonderful people.