The little Year 3 students at Buddina State School might not know it yet, but the clever woman at the front of their class was only recently top of her own class at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Allison Camille, of Sippy Downs, is thrilled to have fulfilled a lifetime dream of becoming a teacher after completing a USC Bachelor of Primary Education with a perfect grade point average of 7.

She received a prestigious University Medal for academic excellence at her graduation ceremony in April and also had the honour of delivering the graduate response speech on behalf of her classmates.

Allison, who had previously worked as an events manager and a teacher aide, admits that starting at university as a mature-age student was daunting.

“I was very concerned that I was past my use-by date, that I was too old and it would be a real struggle,” said Allison, who has two children aged 9 and 16. “But being mature and having a family and life experience did not hinder my ability to succeed. I succeeded because of it.

“I kept working part-time while I was studying, and found my own family and my uni family were just so supportive.”

Allison attributes her study success to persistence, maintaining a good work-life-study balance, and being organised.

“I’m now a Year 3 teacher and I literally pinch myself every day,” she said. “I have 25 beautiful children in my class and when they achieve their personal, academic or social goals that’s very rewarding.”

USC’s Head of School of Education Professor Shelley Dole congratulated Allison on her remarkable achievements.

“Allison was also recipient of USC School of Education’s Graduate Teacher Award to acknowledge our best and brightest new teachers,” Professor Dole said.

“We are delighted that she decided to undertake the initial teacher education at USC, and that her love of learning and passion for making a difference to the learning outcomes of children will continue beyond her studies at USC.”

For more details about applying to study at USC in 2019, go to www.usc.edu.au/learn