A Charles Darwin University (CDU) graduate who made a major career shift during the COVID-19 pandemic is now supporting the mental health and wellbeing of primary school students across Darwin.
Originally from China, Bingqian (Lucy) Wu was studying tourism and event management in Brisbane when the global shutdown in 2020 brought the travel industry, and her career plans, to a halt.
Stranded in her hometown in Henan Province, Ms Wu began volunteering at a small rural school, where she encountered students facing significant emotional challenges. Many had been separated from their parents, who worked in the cities, and were being raised by grandparents with limited understanding of mental health.
"Many of the children were experiencing complex emotions, but had no language to express them," Ms Wu said. "Mental health was often overlooked or misunderstood."
Motivated to make a difference, Ms Wu returned to Australia where she enrolled in a Master of Social Work (Faculty of Health) at CDU.
Now employed by the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, Ms Wu works across Darwin's primary schools, including Moil Primary School, where she delivers tailored wellbeing programs that help students build emotional literacy, resilience and communication skills. Her sessions often include games, art, and digital tools to engage children from diverse backgrounds, including students from refugee and migrant families.
"Children often communicate through behaviour, not words," Ms Wu said. "Sometimes that behaviour is a cry for help. Building trust takes time, but once you have it, they open up."
Ms Wu said her role as a school counsellor, independent from the teaching staff, allows students to feel safe and supported in a different way.
"As social workers, we act as a bridge between students, schools and support services," she said. "We're not here to fix everything, but to ensure children feel seen, heard and supported."
Ms Wu encourages other international students to consider social work as a pathway to create lasting change.
"Ask yourself what drives you. If it's helping others, social work can be incredibly fulfilling," she said. "For me, it's not about climbing the corporate ladder. It's about creating impact." "Don't be afraid to start small. Every step makes a difference."
