ANU Arts student named 2016 ACT Young Woman of the Year

ANU Arts student Rachael Stevens has been named the 2016 ACT Young Woman of the Year for mentoring and inspiring girls with mental illness.

At the age of 15, Ms Stevens was hospitalised and at risk of losing her life because of an eating disorder.

After four hospitalisation for depression and anorexia throughout her life, the author of Skeleton Diaries is now fully recovered, and is using her experience to help others.

"I was genuinely surprised when I received the award," said Ms Stevens, who is studying her major in the School of Sociology.

"I am constantly amazed today at how much my life has changed. I'm so incredibly grateful to be alive and able to spread a message of hope when so many struggle."

Ms Stevens said she will use this opportunity to share her message of hope with more and more people.

Ms Stevens was joined by four ANU finalists, Jessa Rogers, a PhD candidate in the Centre for Aborginal Economic Policy Research, Elise Horspool (B Arts '15), Alyssa Shaw, and Beth Ritchie.

Post graduate student Jessa Rogers and current Post Graduate and Research Students' Association (PARSA) women's officer Alyssa Shaw were finalist in the 2016 ACT Young Women of the Year category.

Elise Horspool and Beth Ritchie were finalist in the 2016 ACT Violence Prevention Women of the Year category.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt congratulated Ms Stevens and all of the ANU finalists on their recognition.

"It is a wonderful achievement to be nominated in the ACT Woman of the Year Awards," Professor Schmidt said.

"On behalf of ANU, I congratulate Ms Stevens on being named ACT Young woman of the Year. She is a great inspiration to young women at the University and throughout Australia."