Starting further tertiary study in the middle of a pandemic would make many people apprehensive. But for mother of Six Ishara Love, 2020 provided the opportunity to launch into an exciting new chapter.
Originally from Melbourne, Ishara has lived in every state of Australia and some parts of Europe. Her family chose to move to Tasmania for its landscape and culture.
I was drawn here by the incredible beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the people
"I couldn’t recommend the lecturers in this course more highly. Between them, they have an enormous and greatly diverse amount of experience. They are an inspirational bunch, which is why I am continuing to study with them" - Ishara Love
After ten years of social work, then another ten years managing her organic store and café, Ishara moved to Tasmania. While here, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Tourism, Environment and Cultural Heritage.
The certificate explores contemporary issues in tourism. This Semester, Ishara worked with students to investigate Social Justice in Cambodian Tourism.
“The most startling fact to arise from our research was how little tourism financially assists local people, due to poor wage structures as well as tourism profits going to foreign-owned entities."
Coming from a social work background, Ishara was impressed with the threads of social justice awareness woven throughout each unit. She also found online study flexible and convenient.
The resources provided were fabulous and the online study portal was extremely well organised and easy to understand.
Ishara received a full scholarship to study in 2020. She has been offered a place to study the Master of Tourism, Environment and Cultural Heritage in 2021.
“I’m already in discussions with my lecturers about moving on to study a PhD, after that. It’s very exciting to dream about how this new path will unfold, including the possibility of completing some of my study overseas, as the world begins to find some normality”
Ishara says she is grateful to the University for providing her this opportunity.
“A lovely bright spot in a very challenging year,” she says.
Learn more about studying Tourism, Environment and Cultural Heritage.