"Sometimes some of our young people have a lot of chaos in their life, so having someone that is really consistent and available is helpful."
Through her role as school chaplain at Carinity Education Southside, Sonia Davies supports young women who are facing difficulty in their lives. Sonia works tirelessly to support students at the Brisbane special assistance school, such as AJ.
"If I've had a really crappy day, I'll just come in and I know that Sonia's going to be there and she's always willing to listen to what I have to say," AJ explains.
"She helps me process what's going through my head … and helps me come to a more logical understanding of things when I'm just really upset about something."
AJ says Sonia has taught her to "be kind within myself and also be patient for others".
"It's a balance between giving myself kindness and peace and also giving others around me some kindness and peace," AJ said.
"People like Sonia, it's just really nice to know that you have someone that you can talk to who will give no judgement, who will give no critical opinion."
Sonia's guidance - and learnings from the Bible - have helped give AJ "patience, wisdom and understanding for her fellow students".
"One morning Sonia mentioned she's got this Bible that she could give to me, because it was in my favourite colour. I don't think I've had a Bible that pretty before," AJ said.
"I've gone home and put post-it notes on all the verses that I enjoy reading. Sonia had written a verse from Psalms and then underneath she's written a little message for me - just to remind me that I'm a good person."
AJ has a positive future - and Sonia is looking forward to seeing the next chapter of her young life play out.
"I am really excited to see what God is going to do in and through her as she continues to grow and bloom."
Donations to the Carinity Chaplains Appeal will help dedicated chaplains continue to positively impact the lives of young people around Queensland.
