Belinda Delaney's journey to becoming a teacher took longer than planned and pushed her 'out of her comfort zone', but the new University of the Sunshine Coast Fraser Coast graduate says each time she enters her prep classroom she knows it was worth it.
"I completed university subjects while still in high school, started uni as a young school-leaver, took time off to work and travel, became a stay-at-home-mum, returned to complete a tertiary bridging course and juggled work and children as a mature-aged student," Belinda said.
She reflected on her university journey when she presented an address on behalf of graduating Fraser Coast students at UniSC's Spring graduation ceremony at Maryborough's Brolga Theatre yesterday.
"From a young age, I knew that working with children would be a part of my future, so I set myself a goal. I now teach a class of wonderful students at Fraser Coast Anglican College, who serve as a constant reminder of why I chose to become a teacher," Belinda said.
"Throughout my degree I was frustrated for taking so long to get here, however I realised that being a mature-aged student provided me with the life experiences needed to allow myself to be pushed out of my comfort zone and to handle those challenges well."
"This set me up for success, ensuring I walked into the classroom confident and ready to teach any year level or subject, happy to just be teaching."
Re-enrolling in university, Belinda said she discovered a love for learning that she had not realised before.
"Once happy with a pass, I found myself throwing everything I had into my studies, with each assignment I felt myself achieving more - chipping away towards my goal.
"I was fortunate enough to have some amazing supervising teachers and tutors along the way, mentoring me and showing me what education is about, pushing me to be my best, allowing me to volunteer in their classrooms and still offering me advice today as a graduate teacher."
Her hard work was rewarded when she was presented with a University Commendation for Academic Excellence when she received her Bachelor of Primary Education at graduation.
The Fraser Coast ceremony was the final in UniSC's Spring graduation season.
About 30 Fraser Coast students were presented with undergraduate degrees in Primary Education, Social Work, Nursing Science, Counselling and Animal Ecology, as well as diplomas and undergraduate certificates in Health Studies, General Studies, Social Studies, Animal Ecology and Education.
Postgraduate students received a Doctor of Philosophy and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the graduating students were now in a privileged position to use their skills and knowledge to benefit their communities.
"Our graduates receive a valuable experience not easily accessible by those in metropolitan locations and help ensure communities retain workers who understand and appreciate local needs and issues," Professor Bartlett said.
"Our latest cohort of Fraser Coast graduates join a UniSC alumni community of nearly 40,000 graduates, who are teaching the next generation of young minds, looking after the health of those around us, and making a difference as business leaders, scientists, engineers, lawyers and thinkers."
A musical makeover was a new feature of the ceremony.
The University's academic procession music, previously a classical Danish piece, was replaced by an original composition using ancient, pre-colonial instruments and modern replicas of traditional instruments, including the yidaki (didgeridoo).
Composer, music industry leader and UniSC Honorary and Adjunct Uncle Kevin Starkey says the new piece, named Oro Yarta Milyarra, follows extensive consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Meaning Northwind Country Ceremony - it was far more befitting of a "coming of the knowledge holders" for modern Australian graduates, Uncle Kevin said.
