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New teacher Julie inspired by study
With the youngest of her four children in high school, Brisbane’s Julie Burton has realised a long-held dream of starting a career as a secondary teacher.
Julie, who now teaches English at Wellington Point State High School, has been employed continuously since she finished her degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast two years ago.
Aged in her mid-40s when she started the Arts/Education double degree, Julie hopes to inspire more mature-aged students to consider USC.
“I’d wanted to be a teacher since I was a child but I thought I wouldn’t be clever enough to study at university,” she said.
“When I got accepted to USC, I felt like I had won the lottery. The University’s Education Unit gave me the confidence to fulfil my dreams, guiding me on the pathway of study and supporting me on teaching placements.”
After graduating, Julie’s first teaching contract was at an Islamic Girls School in the Middle East.
“It was an amazing experience, teaching for seven months in a country I knew nothing about, and every day I carried with me the lessons I learnt and the practical training I received at USC.”
She urged other potential students to check out the University’s annual Return to Study Evening on Wednesday 20 October.
The evening, from 6.30-8.30pm, explains what is required to gain admission to university, how applicants can improve their tertiary eligibility, and USC’s range of study programs and support services.
USC External Relations Manager Kylie Russell said the free presentation would be particularly useful for those considering a career change.
“People who have been out of the formal education system for some time and want to start a new career usually have specific questions about their eligibility for university, the support available and about career paths,” she said.
“They are often delighted to learn that there are many pathways to university and that they are eligible to study at USC.”
Julie said she was grateful for a scholarship which helped buy textbooks.
“USC helped me discover what I was capable of,” she said. “Don’t wait as long as I did to go to uni. Challenge yourself and never be afraid to ask.”
To book a seat for USC’s Return to Study Evening, contact USC’s External Relations on 5456 5000 or register online at <www.usc.edu.au/info>.
– Julie Gatehouse