Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

I haven’t had the typical journey to university and have decided to take the long route. During my time at high school, I always said I was never going to go to university and that it just was not for me. So straight out of school I enrolled in hairdressing college and worked as a colour technician for a few years. I loved my job and even had the opportunity to work my way up into a management position. For a few years I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do so I worked at a few retail outlets until I had my next revelation.

I moved back to the Sunshine coast in 2010 with my husband where we owned a car-cleaning business. Business was slow so I took up some work in a long day-care centre where my mum worked. I soon completed my Certificate III and then started my Diploma. I got half way through and still felt I wasn’t in the right place. After talking to my friends and family, I decided to put in an application to get into uni to commence my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). I completed one semester online at a different uni and decided that if I wanted to become an effective teacher that I would benefit from going in face-to-face.

My sister, who was in her third year here at USC supported me in making my decision to change over and to continue on my journey here at USC. My mum decided she was going to enrol in a Bachelor of Social Science beginning the same year as me. This, of course, confirmed my decision to come on over too and I went ahead with my QTAC application to try my luck at getting accepted. I am so happy with the decision I made to come to USC.

In the future, I would love to pursue a career as a researcher and academic. I want to travel the world with my family and continue my lifelong learning journey.

Here at USC, I feel like I am part of something really special. Everyone you meet is so friendly, and the staff here are incredibly supportive. I have met some of the most wonderful people during my time here, and each year just gets better and better. I am thankful for every day. Here at USC I really do Rise, and Shine.