Prakasca was like any other university student completing her studies at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), when she travelled to Indonesia for research as part of an internship.
It was during this trip that she was taken to hospital after passing out from a seizure, and was consequently diagnosed with a brain tumor. After travelling back to Australia and seeing medical staff at the Nepean Hospital, she underwent further tests and brain surgery in early 2020 – the year she was originally due to graduate from her studies.
It was following the surgery that her life changed dramatically and her family was told there was a possibility that she may not walk again.
Despite losing feeling in the right side of her body, Prakasca was determined to get back on her feet.
“The expectation was that I would be in a wheelchair, so my family were so glad with the outcome and were happy that I could walk,” says Prakasca.
But the road to recovery didn’t stop there.
“After the surgery, my energy levels went down. I was exhausted all the time and I couldn’t see properly. With the fatigue, I could only do a couple of things each day.”
This had an impact on her ability to complete her university studies and she needed to take a break. It was also at this time that Prakasca sadly lost relatives in the floods in Sydney’s west which took a further toll.
In 2022, Prakasca’s accessibility consultant introduced her to Rachael from GradWISE, where the program would make it easier for her to get back to her studies, while also receiving Centrelink support payments.
As a result, Prakasca was able to focus on finishing her degree without the added pressure of needing to find a job while studying.
The support offered through GradWISE also included ongoing career coaching consultations, finding internship opportunities and improving her resilience.
“I didn’t even know graduate programs existed until Rachael told me. She encouraged me to apply for internships, career fairs and helped with my resume. It was everything I needed to get ready for work. She made sure I did what I needed so that I wouldn’t fall behind,” says Prakasca.
Rachael encouraged Prakasca to choose organisations she liked that were offering graduate roles, and fortunately, she received a job offer from the Commonwealth Bank – a position which she is commencing shortly.
“I was already a CommBank customer and I wanted to work for a company that gave back to the community so it’s great that they offer opportunities for volunteering and secondment.”
After being offered her graduate role, Prakasca helped form a partnership between WISE and the Commonwealth Bank with the latter now presenting at the 2024 GradWISE Industry Accessibility Week in February. The partnership will help other GradWISE students to gain employment.
Prakasca is now feeling positive, armed with her Forensic Science degree, as she eagerly awaits the start date of her job.
“I’ve not had full-time work before so I am excited and nervous at the same time,” she says.
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