Three months working with traumatised children in a developing country has given a Charles Sturt University (CSU) social work graduate a new perspective on life. Ms Rhonda Emonson, from Albury, will be among the first four graduates of the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying). As part of her postgraduate studies at CSU, Ms Emonson worked with orphans on the island of Negros Occidental, west of the Philippines. “We’ve all heard about communities that survive without sewerage, electricity, shelter, and on a cup of rice a day,” she said. “To live in these circumstances is heartbreaking yet inspirational.” She said the international work placement has been a highlight of her studies. “It’s created a yearning to work with those who have so few resources and struggle to survive from day to day as a result of poverty and lack of infrastructure,” she said. The Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) allows students with a prior degree to gain professional accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers. Read more about the six graduation ceremonies at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 30 March to Friday 1 April 2011.