Sister Mary Radiance Therese, originally from India, has always been driven by a desire to care for others. Her passion for care and individual support has taken her across continents, and in 2017, she arrived in Australia as a missionary.
Her story is one of compassion, resilience, and lifelong learning, particularly in the fields of Aged Care and Disability Support.
A Mission of Service and Compassion
Before coming to Australia, Sister Therese spent five years working in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, helping orphanages and supporting people affected by war trauma. This time in Africa deepened her commitment to helping others, especially the elderly and people living with disabilities.
After returning to India to take her final religious vows, she furthered her studies in New Zealand before moving to Australia to continue her work.
Discovering Macquarie Community College
Upon her arrival, Sister Therese knew she wanted to formally pursue Nursing and Aged Care as a career. That’s when she found Macquarie Community College and enrolled in the CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support – (Ageing and Disability). Although new to using technology, she received incredible support from the MCC team.
“The customer support officer helped me so much. I didn’t know how to use a computer, but she never gave up on me,” Sister Therese recalls. “When I came to MCC and met Heather (Heather Hill, Lead Trainer in Community Services) I felt like I was part of a family.
MCC is the best place—I just wanted to be there.”
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Learning Aged Care and Disability
At MCC, Sister Therese faced the challenge of learning basic computer skills, but with the help of her teacher Jodi Crozier and her classmates, she gained the confidence to navigate technology. Her classmates taught her how to type and send emails, and Jodi went out of her way to provide additional support.
“My classmates were so helpful, and everything felt easy with their support,” she says. “Now, I’m taking a Basic Computer course, which has been a great help for my studies and work.”
Jodi Crozier, Community Service Trainer, has really enjoyed working with Sister Therese:
“Sister Therese is truly an inspiration. She has built lasting friendships and an awesome support network with her classmates. I am so very proud of her achievements and her determination in overcoming the challenges she faced to complete the course and gain employment within a community of her peers.
Now Sister Therese has the opportunity to gain valuable experience in aged care services. I wish her the very best!”
Building a Life in Aged Care and Disability
Through her studies at MCC, Sister Therese gained crucial knowledge in Aged Care and Disability Support. Moreover, she learned the essential terminology in English, which helped her understand how to care for elderly individuals and people living with disabilities.
“I liked learning how to communicate with the elderly and people living with disabilities. The communication skills I’ve gained are invaluable,” she explains.
Now working as an Aged Care support worker, Sister Therese applies these skills every day, providing compassionate care to those in need.
Looking Forward
Sister Therese is excited about continuing her education at MCC, with plans to enrol in in the Aged Care (Certificate IV) next year.
“There are so many courses I’m interested in,” she says, eager to keep learning and growing in her career.
“The MCC team is very friendly and supportive, you’ll gain a lot of knowledge. MCC really teaches you what you need. My experience—it’s the best place.”
The MCC Team is so proud of Sister Therese’s achievements and her dedication and passion to making a positive impact in the community. We look forward to supporting her continued learning journey in community services and beyond.
