Katie, a fourth year BA Hons social work student, has always set her sights on the job.
She said: “I feel I am a people person and friendly and I love to chat away to people, so, as silly as it may sound, I knew since my first year at Lockerbie Academy I wanted to be a social worker because I’m happiest when supporting and helping people.”
And the award nomination came at just the right time for studious Katie.
She said: “This year has definitely been the toughest and I was having a rubbish time before Christmas.
“I was thinking about giving it up because I was so overwhelmed when I received an email from my tutor letting me know that my year three practice teacher from Dumfries and Galloway Council had nominated me.”
She added: “I was in complete shock. I didn’t think I had done anything outstanding to be nominated.”
And things just kept getting better for Katie when this week she found out her nomination had evolved and she had been placed on the award’s shortlist.
Katie said: “I found out on Monday morning from the postie that I had been shortlisted and have got two tickets to attend the award’s ceremony in Edinburgh.”
The news has given Katie the boost she needs to complete her degree this May.
She said: “I change my mind every day about whether or not social work is right for me as it is very challenging although very rewarding.
“There’s so much stigma around social work that it’s really nice that it will be celebrated next month.”
Katie is looking forward to attending the award ceremony on March 15 with her boyfriend Bruce.
