Micheala Bakewell of Narangba is fulfilling her dream of teaching young children after graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

In her final year of university last year, the 21-year-old former Narangba Valley State High School student was employed as a kindergarten teacher at Living Faith Early Learning Centre in Petrie.

“I was lucky to get the opportunity to start my career before I had even finished my degree,” she said.

Micheala, who celebrated her graduation at a USC ceremony earlier this month, said she was delighted to be working in her first professional role in early childhood education.

“USC’s passionate early childhood education staff helped me gain the qualifications I needed to get such an amazing job, where I can make a difference in children’s lives,” she said.

“The degree taught me the importance of play-based learning for four and five-year-olds. Now I can continue to be an advocate for early childhood education.”

She said the USC campus at Sippy Downs was welcoming and relaxed.

“I’ve made lifelong friends – and the cheap meals at the Brasserie were the best.”

Applications are now open for mid-year entry to study at USC, starting Semester 2 on 24 July. Details on how to apply for more than 90 undergraduate and postgraduate programs can be found at www.usc.edu.au/midyear

— Gen Kennedy