After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

Straight after leaving high school, I commenced a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Forensic Science at Griffith University in Brisbane. I really enjoyed my time at Griffith, the university was very supportive, and I made some great friends however both courses were just not for me. I found the area of criminology very interesting, but within 8 weeks I knew the job prospects were not really what I wanted to do. After doing a bit of thinking, I decided to look at applying for Medicine as hearing my friends talk about how much they enjoyed the course I was intrigued, and I have always loved biology and science. I transferred to a Bachelor of Biomedical Science as that aligned better with applying for post graduate medical degrees and I also started applying for undergraduate medical degrees. At the start of 2019 I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the University of New South Wales (UNSW) medical program and that is where I have been since then.   

I have chosen to study Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine because … 

I have always had an interest in science, especially biology and chemistry. Medicine perfectly combines these topics with a strong focus on problem solving, caring, and giving back to others. This I believe, results in various career pathways that are fulfilling, challenging, and interesting.  

My ideal job would be …. 

Ideally, I would like to become some sort of specialist doctor. I am leaning towards Neurology/Neurosurgery or potentially Orthopaedics. This is because I find neurology very interesting, there are so many common and rare diseases that affect a broad spectrum of the population. From strokes to head injuries to mental illnesses, many of us know at least one person in our life who has some sort of illness or medical condition related to neuroscience. Additionally, in my placements I have spent some time with orthopaedics teams, and this was hands down my favourite placement. The team was amazing, the procedures they do are so relevant and can make such a difference to a patient’s quality of life. They also deal with many sports injuries, which I find intriguing as I am quite interested in sport having done a variety throughout high school and university. 

Additionally, these areas are relevant and common in rural areas, which is where I would like to practise eventually.  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

I think I have developed a lot of confidence throughout my time as a student, which is extremely important when looking for opportunities to advance not just your career prospects but also yourself. Additionally, an ability to get along with various kinds of people has allowed me to gain a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Also, I am now an expert procrastinator, which is a key skill all students learn through university. 

 For fun I like to …. 

To perfect my procrastination techniques, I have developed a range of hobbies. As mentioned, I love sports, so I am currently part of the university Soccer team and Cheerleading team. I also love to ride horses when I am home or have been bothered to organise lessons. I also love art and making things, especially drawing, painting, and crocheting/knitting.  

What do you think of the CUC? 

When I heard about CUC, I was so jealous there was not one near my university or in Wagga Wagga (where I am for placement next year). Especially when I went in and saw the centre, it was amazing! I have never seen any university facilities that supply such nice workspaces, places to sleep and so much FREE FOOD. It is so helpful to have this space to study at when I go home for holidays. 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

 I finished high school a hundred years ago and as I “didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up” I entered the workforce and, except for a couple of short periods I have and continue to work full time.  

 I have chosen to study Diploma of Art Therapy because … 

  I am very interested in the course and its outcomes.  Also watching someone find comfort and self awareness in creating something or being able to process the outside world while focusing on drawing, dancing, drama, painting etc is wonderful.  Not everyone has the words to able express themselves confidently and this is a way for them to do that.  

 My ideal job would be …. 

  Well, in all honesty, my ideal job would be retired lotto winner but that is yet to happen. I would love to be able to help people find and explore their creative sides. So many people say “Oh I have no creative talent at all, I think that we are all creative, we just need to find that one thing that ignites our creative spark.   

 What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

As I am just starting as an older student, I am still finding my way.  I have lots of study weaknesses and I guess one of my strengths is a passion for art, and being creative.  

 For fun I like to …. 

 Create!!  

  What do you think of the CUC? 

 I think it it is an amazing space and something that was desperately need here in Roma.  Even though I have a dedicated study space at home, I am a dreadful procrastinator and my own worst enemy when it comes to studying and will find any excuse not to do it!  Having a place that I can go that is purely for study and doesn’t have any of my usual distractions is brilliant.  

I tell myself that I am off to school!  

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

I have changed my career path over the years.  I started out in Early Childhood and really loved it. I then transitioned to teacher support with Education and then onto Administration in Government departments.  

I have chosen to study an Associate Degree of Business and Commerce because … 

I wanted to transition back into study.  I didn’t know if I was going to like study again, so I decided to start with the Associate Degree, but it is great! I may even go on and complete the Bachelor!  I currently work in the Financial Accounting field and want to strengthen my knowledge and technical skills through this course. It will also open up more opportunities to pursue my career. 

My ideal job would be …. 

 This is such a hard question to answer, I have always loved the jobs I have done.  I always say everything happens for a reason so when opportunities arise give them a go!  Who knows where my career will take me?  Maybe fusing teaching and business together and going into the learning development field. 

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

  Being an Employee, a mum and a student has been tough going but developing great organisational skills and planning around work, family and study has been one thing I have been developing.  It is not a strength that I am comfortable with yet, but it is definitely a work in progress. 

For fun I like to …. 

I like to hang out with my family and every now and then I will help out and ref Basketball. 

What do you think of the CUC? 

I think we are so lucky to have a facility like this.  I was only explaining the centre to a co-worker the other day, the facilities are modern.  The staff are great and always there to give you a hand.  The workshops that they are offer are informative and are directly relevant to your studies.  It is really nice meet people through different Uni’s and listen to what they are studying.  Bec organises a lot of social activities so everyone can get together. I would really recommend if you are studying to come in and use the centre. 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

After leaving school my education continued I enjoyed working within the childcare industry so I worked myself through the different levels from assistant to Lead educator, director, centre cook and Center Educational leader (service mentor and trainer) and now I am working towards completing my bachelor in early childhood Teaching.  

I have chosen to study Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) because … 

​I am passionate about being able to give children the best start to life, supporting their needs and being able to allow them to be the best of themselves. Within the early years, children require support with making sense of the world around them organising their thoughts and regulating their emotions through communication. 

My ideal job would be …. 

I am currently working in the role that I am studying towards Early Childhood Teacher over the last year and a Half. I am lucky to be able to take on the Role of a pre-service teacher.  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

I enjoy being able to take the research and place them directly into practice day today. It makes an amazing difference being able to put theory into practice making strength-based learning my biggest strength.  

For fun I like to …. 

Spend time with my two busy little children and partner, we enjoy camping and visiting friends and family that are spread across Queensland.  

 What do you think of the CUC? 

I enjoy being able to get out of the house away from all the distractions (Little people) allowing me to be more focused and connected with my studies. 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like…  

I left school a very long time ago… in 1980, to be precise. I had taken the pre university pathway (in Switzerland, where I did my schooling, you can’t just enter uni, there are courses to do to qualify). I wanted to become a translator for the United Nations or a flight attendant, catering for my love of languages and travelling.  

The pre uni course was boring and I wasn’t enjoying myself, so I decided to pursue a traineeship with Swiss Telecom and I became a Telegraphist/Telexist after one year of training. I love learning and studying and so I am a lifelong student.  

 I have chosen to study Diploma of Counselling because … 

I am working as a mental health support worker already and I love everything that is related to mental health. I love working with people and helping them to find solutions in their life and a pathway to recovery if they are struggling with issues. Counselling was just a natural progression as an addition to the studies I had done previously and becoming a counsellor is the next career step for me.  

My ideal job would be …. 

I think that I am in my ideal job… I love what I do. Although, if someone said to me: do you want to do one of those travel shows where you get to travel the world on a train, or on a cruise ship (or in a VW camper van) and visit all sorts of cool destinations, then maybe seek out some interesting food places while there… I would not say no!! so, ideal job? food and travel writer!!  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

Being more disciplined with my time. I am a bit of a mess and my time management is generally quite poor, a weakness of mine. I can set deadlines and work to them much better. I think that I am also setting goals in a more realistic way.  

For fun I like to …. 

Spend time with family and friends and mostly walk my dogs, they are my therapy after a long day of helping and working with people. I love reading (everything about different therapies). My favourite author is Stephen King. I also find that listening to music is a very soothing way to de-stress.   

What do you think of the CUC? 

The CUC is my home away from home. I spend quite a few hours there every weekend to study and the quiet, spacious, well airconditioned building is perfect to really get into the studying vibe. The place is incredible! I am so grateful that there is help available too, when one struggles with the word count on an assignment… !!

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

After leaving school, I have started a diploma for education with RATEP with the James Cook Uni.  

I have chosen to study RATEP Pathway Program because … 

I have chosen to study RATEP Pathway Program because when I was at the end of year 10 the school said that going into year 11 a had to pick the subjects that would help with what I would want to do after school. However, I wasn’t sure what that was. Over the Christmas holidays I was thinking about what I wanted to do and for as long as I could remember I wanted to be a teacher; however, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to juggle ATAR, Football and work all at once, so I did some research and come across this program. I got in contract with the head of departments of RATEP, and they helped me along the enrolment into the program.  

My ideal job would be …. 

My ideal job would be ​to work my way up and become a principal to make sure that every child is given a chance for a good education no matter their background. I would love to work in a small rural school as they are at more risk of not going to school because of the home life, or the community’s view on the kids.  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

There are many strengths that I have developed during the time that I have been a student. I have learnt how to make excel spreadsheets, word documents with many different features and I have learnt new things with myself too like how to self-mange my time without a teacher telling what to do and when to do it. I actually liked the school routines and knowing exactly what I had to do daily unlike having to do everything thing online and mostly all on my own.  

For fun I like to …. 

 For fun I like to ​work and play football.  

What do you think of the CUC? 

The CUC is a great environment as I am able to go at any time that I have free time. I can meet with my teacher once a month there and I am able to make it into a space where it is comfortable for me. 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

I sometimes think I had very little idea what I wanted to do when I left school but really I had too many ideas and my QTAC application reflected that – I applied for Linguistics, Physiotherapy & Exercise Science, Marine Science, Fine Arts, Architecture. I just wanted to try everything. I wanted to travel and for that I’d need a job everywhere I went. I eventually decided on Exercise Science, for the simple reason that there were jobs in that area and I would be employable around the world. I studied full-time internally through Griffith on the Gold Coast. It was a culture shock to move from a little mountain village to the big smoke and to be honest I didn’t really enjoy it very much. While doing uni I also did a TAFE course in Massage Therapy. At the same time as studying I worked full-time in hospitality, at hotels in Brisbane. It was hectic. I probably wouldn’t recommend that workload. But it did lead me to leaving uni and focusing on the resort industry where I worked for the next 10 years and loved it. 

I have chosen to study Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Speech Therapy because … 

I’m back studying now as I means of future proofing my employment. I met a bloke along the way and his work has taken us to lots of different places off the beaten track and outside the realm of beach resorts. But there’s always a need for health practitioners, so I fell back on health science and decided to work towards Speech Therapy. I’m studying through Charles Darwin University, it’s a different study landscape this time. There are only small numbers of students. I can study externally, meaning I don’t need to relocate anywhere and I can work my studies around our family life. The B of Health Science has given me a far broader introduction to the Health Sector as a whole and a greater understanding of the different factors that impact individual/ family/ societal wellbeing. I think this will make me a better practitioner moving forwards in my Speech Therapy specialty. 

My ideal job would be …. 

Catriona Rowntree has always been my idol and has my dream job, and more recently Joanna Lumley. Who wouldn’t want to travel around the world, meeting cool humans, eating super delicious food and       drink, looking the bomb, and feeling safe in the knowledge that someone else has already booked the tickets? *sigh….starts googling media journalism degrees*

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

Having tried a few different things, I’ve come to understand my style of learning better and be comfortable with my slow pace. I’m not very good at reading the textbook and soaking it straight up. I need to engage more of the senses. So I handwrite my notes and use lots of colours and drawn pictures, I seek out alternate providers who give the information in a different way, maybe more interactive lecturers on YouTube, maybe podcasts to listen to, maybe practitioners already in the field.  

 For fun I like to …. 

 I’m a secret fan of Asian and Bollywood movies. They’re so colourful, have funky dance moves and the best fight scenes – don’t pretend you haven’t always wanted to zoom through the air from bamboo pole to bamboo pole while fly kicking the bad guy in mid air. 

What do you think of the CUC? 

I love CUC Maranoa. The facilities are first rate, the staff are wonderful, it makes studying easy and accessible. As external study options increase, the need for facilities like these becomes greater. Leaving home for the first time and going to uni in the cities is one of those rights of passage for many of us. But to be honest, it’s a lot easier to study if you can stay within your home base and maintain your family and friend support networks – those people that remind you to stop procrastinating and go study, or help keep the laundry under control, and ensure you eat more than just 2min noodles. CUC Maranoa is a fantastic option for students to get into the groove of tertiary requirements without having to leave their home region. It’s also welcoming for visiting students, here on work placements. I can’t recommend it highly enough as an alternate option for your study choices.

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

I started at Bond University straight out of Year 12 and completed my Bachelor of Social Science with majors in Criminology and Psychology. I secured employed in Roma during the last trimester of my degree, working with at risk children and families. I have been at my current workplace for four years, and last year decided to start my Masters. Throughout my employment, I have been grateful to receive numerous training and education opportunities such as becoming an Accredited Certified Trainer of David Mandel’s Safe and Together Model.  

I have chosen to study a Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice because … 

I have always wanted to work in the criminology field as this is where my interests are, and with this degree I am able to increase my knowledge and skills in this area and increase my employment opportunities. I’m interest in domestic and family violence, crime prevention and criminological theories. 

My ideal job would be …. 

Eventually I would like to get my doctorate, publish my own research and lecture at a university.  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

Definitely time management and finding a great work-life balance! I think studying online I have also had to develop some self-control and motivation as it can be quite difficult to keep up with the work when there isn’t actual classes to attend.  

For fun I like to …. 

It sounds boring but I am a big reader! I have also been trying my luck with social tennis after watching a bit too much of the Aus Open.   

What do you think of the CUC? 

I have recommended the CUC to many students that come through my workplace, as well as friends. I think it is the perfect place to really get stuck into your study without having to worry about the distractions you have at home (for me it’s my partner playing Xbox extremely loudly!). It also offers multiple desk / equipment set ups which I appreciate as sometimes sitting a desk can become tiring. The staff are lovely and it’s great to feel connected as if I am on campus again.

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

After leaving school, my educational journey was right around the corner where I only had a couple of months before I packed up and began my new uni journey to Toowoomba to begin my studies in Bachelor of Nursing. Unfortunately, I only got to experience a small part of being an on campus student before COVID gave me no choice but to become an external student were I have continued to do so up until my final and last year this year of my studies.  

I have chosen to study Bachelor of Nursing because … 

Like many students in school, I wasn’t sure on what I wanted to do after school, it wasn’t until my Year 10 work experience where I did a week at Pinaroo Aged Care were I began to find joy in being able to help the elderly. It wasn’t long after where I was offered a school-based traineeship with Pinaroo which I completed during Year 11 and 12 of schooling and soon completed my Cert III in Individual Support which allowed my passion in helping individuals decide that I wanted to complete my Bachelor of Nursing.  

My ideal job would be …. 

Ultimately, my ideal job would  be a successful Registered Nurse providing patient focused care and empathy to care for the health of individuals requiring health or medical assistance within an established health organization in either a rural or regional setting.  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

Being a student can be challenging at times, like many of you would already know, but strengths I have developed  as a student include reliability, commitment, time management skills, communication skills, and academic writing skills which have all contributed to a successful learning journey and will be valuable with all future employment.  

For fun I like to …. 

For fun I like to spend my spare time catching up with friends and family over a couple of bubbly drinks and nibbles or binge watching movies while snuggled up in a blanket.  

What do you think of the CUC? 

The CUC is an excellent facility that provides resources and assistance to students studying in a rural area, it has friendly and amazing staff that are always able to provide assistance when needed and access to up to date technology that is all within an environment that is conducive to study. 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

 After leaving school, I deferred my Uni degree for a year and had a gap year. I spent half the year working as a governess in southern NSW and the other half working on my family farm near Goondiwindi. I then went down to UNE in Armidale to study Ag science, however, I soon found out that was not for me and changed to a Bachelor of Education. I am now going into my 3rd year and studying teaching externally and enjoying the freedom it brings.  

I have chosen to study Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) because …  

I chose to study a Bachelor of Education as I aspire to give all children an equal opportunity to learn. I am passionate about the importance of early childhood education and creating a solid foundation to build upon. I enjoy working with children and thrive off helping others.  

My ideal job would be ….  

My ideal job would be teaching remotely in a small community. I love living rurally and would love the opportunity to teach in that setting. I am passionate about bringing a high standard of education to communities where it may not be accessible.  

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student?  

As a student I have developed the importance of different methods of communication. Understanding that not every student will interpret and learn the same has allowed me to create an inclusive teaching environment.  I have also developed a passion for Special Education and the drive to give all students an equal opportunity to learn.   

For fun I like to ….  

 For fun I like to meet up with my friends, I enjoy socializing and attending local events. On weekends I like to go back home and see friends and family.   

What do you think of the CUC?  

CUC has made me feel very welcome and included as soon as I walked in. The facilities that are available for students is amazing. I am able to have a place to focus on study without any distractions. The help and support that is offered allows me to feel confident studying externally.

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

 I completed a Bachelor of Nursing back in 1997 and then a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, finishing in 2000. In 2006 a Graduate Certificate of Remote Health Management and then a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing in 2020. In July 2020 I started the Masters of Nurse Practitioner part time.

I have chosen to study a Master of Nursing because … 

Working in Advanced nursing practice in remote areas offers an extended scope of practice to hospital nursing as there are often no doctors onsite.  I have completed a Rural and Isolated Practice Medication Endorsement which enables me to treat patients without phoning a doctor in some situations. However, a Nurse Practitioner qualification takes this one step further and enables me to prescribe medications and order tests such as ultrasounds and CT scans for my patients, similar to what a doctor can do (but limited to my specialist area).

 My ideal job would be …. 

To work in private practice as a Nurse Practitioner. 

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

Persistence and time management! 

 For fun I like to …. 

 Gardening and renovating my Queenslander house in Roma.  Also spend time with my adult children! 

What do you think of the CUC? 

 I think its an amazing resource and we are very lucky to have this in Roma! 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

After leaving school – after school I was an apprentice for a local builder and continued with them for a further 12 years. I undertook licensing for machinery, asbestos removal, working at heights, Certificate 4 in construction and a  business management course. I have recently received my Builder’s Licence – low rise. 

I have chosen to study Bachelor of Nursing because … 

Chosen this degree because – it was a requirement for my current employment and change of interest in the Construction industry 

My ideal job would be …. 

My ideal job would be a Builder 

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

I have developed greater strengths with sound understanding of technical and legislative requirements imposed in the Building and Construction industry. The industry is forever progressing and understanding the how’s and why’s of construction has shifted my own interpretation as well as passing on my knowledge and interpretations to our Local builders. 

For fun I like to …. 

For fun I like to – play board and video games, camping and woodwork 

What do you think of the CUC? 

Thoughts on CUC – I love having a dedicated space to study as home life can interrupt you quite easily. The CUC facilities and staff are amazing and encourage students both academically and socially to achieve our desires while studying. Thank you CUC team!! 

After leaving school, my educational journey has looked like… 

 After school my education life was varied. I worked in a solicitor’s office in the middle of the city of Sydney as a registration clerk. At 21, I decided to sit for my HSC so went to the local TAFE for a year to study for it. I then worked in a number of different jobs for a few years before beginning to attend university of NSW. From there I transferred out of education to BA when I moved to Wagga Wagga.  

I then moved to Canberra and studied law but thought the future really is in education, so I completed my grad dip in education. After raising my children for a few years and working as a relief teacher I studied a grad dip in Learning Support and Special Needs at CQU. I have worked for a number if years as a class teacher, a relief teacher and in early childhood according to the differing needs of my family. My children are now adults and I’m studying in an area of my passion… Theology. I completed my grad cert through ACU and now continuing on to complete my masters. 

I have chosen to study Master of Theology because … 

I’m studying Master of theology because I’ve seen a need in country areas for people to be trained up to help lead churches. In many areas there are very few ministers, priests or pastors who are trained. 

My ideal job would be …. 

My ideal job would be either a priest or a teacher of religious education. I am so excited about the opportunity to support people and teach them about the Bible and God. 

What strengths have you developed during your time as a student? 

I think as a distance student I have gained many skills in self-directed learning. I can now read a lot of the New Testament in the original Greek as well which is something I learnt last year and will continue in with. 

For fun I like to …. 

For fun I like to spend time with members if my family, my three adult children, stepchildren grandchildren and of course my husband. I live to do craft, to sing and to cook. 

What do you think of the CUC? 

I am amazed at the wonderful opportunities provided by CUC and the facilities.