My name is Jo Marie (Joanna Koutlis) and I am currently studying a Graduate in Positive Psychology at CQUniversity by distance in Mildura, Victoria.
I chose this course because my mission and vision in life is to help contribute to improving mental health and wellbeing in Australia and worldwide by connecting people with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, a new focus to take inspired-action towards and access to their full potential - all within a nurturing, supportive and inspiring community.
I live in a remote community where I have seen the value in programs such as "Mentoring Through Music" when it comes to building wellbeing, confidence, engagement and resilience in young people. I am passionate in working in closely with local organisations, Mildura Rural City Council Youth Services and also delivering my own programs to contribute to a brighter future in our region.
I am also eager to embrace the digital transition by establishing an online Mental Health and Wellbeing Blog, Personal Development Coaching and Wellbeing Programs. With dedication and commitment to my studies, I believe this will also open up an opportunity to progress into further study with a PHD and write my first book, which has been one of my goals and dreams since I was a little girl.
I'm currently in my very first term, undertaking Introduction to Positive Psychology, Building Wellbeing & Resilience: Interconnected Factors and Group Coaching and Facilitation. I am learning so much through the application of what I am learning in practical assignments whilst also also building my own resilience by expanding my comfort zone to face my fear of public speaking, as part of my vision is to support others in group environments.
One of my assignments is to work on measuring wellbeing in Musicians and Creatives. I have a background in music and creative industries, so merging these two worlds has been incredibly gratifying in terms of learning to be part of the solution to improve Mental Health within the Music Industry too. This course has far exceeded my expectations, and I'm genuinely eager to continue learning and researching to further enhance my skills in this area. I'll also be writing five well researched blogs on Wellbeing and Resilience which I'm looking forward to sharing.
I hope to take the next step in my career by acquiring this qualification, and putting everything I learn into action within my own business and also collaborating or working alongside other organisations and businesses. A mentor of mine Daryl Buckingham (CEO Mildura Regional Development) once said, "Give people the opportunity to back themselves. Let them know you've got their back. This is an amazing community... Collectively we're all powerfully smart." I truly believe this too and am looking forward to working to the best of my ability to turn all of this into a reality.