I choose to make the world a better place by my career choices.

My official titles are substance misuse practitioner and Connexions careers advisor.

However I just try to spread some hope and opportunity to the parents and young people I work with. This is not simply a job to me, I holistically strive to ensure they get the very best from our service and often go the extra mile to provide person centred and exceptional support.

The privilege to shape lives and give young people a glimpse of what’s out there, beyond the gangs, the concrete jungle, the poverty, the cycles of domestic abuse, trauma, generational unemployment, crushed aspirations and toxic relationships.

The power to teach what love is, even though some have never known it. The goal of teaching these broken hearts to love themselves as they are worthy of love, despite the insecure attachments and traumatic experiences is humbling and so rewarding.

However, as anyone working in this type of job will know, it’s essential we look after ourselves too, to prevent burnout and be the best we can be for the people we work with, as well as for our family and ourselves.

Thanks for reading

Love Uneeka 💗

This story is participating in the writing contest “Write For A Better World” by Wake. Write. Win.