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Clown Andrew now in a class of his own
Gympie teacher Andrew Stokes says there’s only one clown allowed in his classrooms — himself.
Mr Stokes, 42, has swapped years of professional clowning to become a regular supply teacher after doing a Graduate Diploma in Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The delighted dad, who lives with his wife Jo-Maree, a nurse, and three of their seven children at Tamaree, will graduate from USC on Friday 17 April.
He adds the achievement to his Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Community Work, gained from the University in 2004.
Mr Stokes said he’d come a long way since leaving Marist Brothers College at Rosalie, Brisbane, as a 14-year-old to work as a petrol station attendant.
He discovered the entertainment industry in his 20s, becoming a gig booking agent.
“After several years of watching other performers I decided I’d like to have a go at clowning,” he said. “I was always well received and often rebooked so after about six months I quit working the agencies to concentrate on my own
business of clowning and Mobile DJing.”
But Mr Stokes also loved learning and reading books, so he sought something more.
“I wanted to become more formally educated as I wasn't taken too seriously when people found out I left school at 14 and what I did for work," he said. "Can you imagine going for a home loan and stating your employment is a clown?”
He urged others to follow their heads and hearts into mature-age learning at USC.
“I was terrified. But my message to others is: Do it. At USC the staff, lecturers and tutors want you to succeed," he said. “I’m now employed by Education Queensland as a relief school teacher and the phone is ringing all the time.”
Mr Stokes said he hadn’t ditched clowning altogether – he still performed for fun and extra income.
USC will hold a free information evening on Wednesday 13 May for those planning to start studying at the University in July 2009.
The Mid-Year Options evening from 5pm-7pm will give prospective students the chance to talk one-on-one with academics and admissions staff about study options, financial and student support services available at USC.
To register for the evening, phone 5456 5000 or email options@usc.edu.au. Information is available on the USC website at www.usc.edu.au/midyear.
— Julie Gatehouse