For Rosebery woman Ivory McConachy those little steps have given her a pathway to fulfilling her dream of working in the Aged Care Industry.
During the past year she has been studying for her Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services through the University of Tasmania at the Study Hub West Coast in Zeehan.
On December 16 she will step onto the stage to receive her Diploma at the University’s graduation ceremony in Hobart.
Despite having to overcome many challenges and barriers to get this far, Ivory said she is excited about graduation day.
“I always wanted to pursue study in the Aged Care industry and going to university was a goal I had from a young age,” she said.
“I’ve always had a passion to help others and now that I have my Diploma I can work in the Aged Care industry where I’ll be able to help others, which is where I believe I belong.”
Ivory said being able to undertake her study at the University of Tasmania while living on the West Coast, with extra support from the staff at the Study Hub West Coast was fundamental in her efforts to complete the study.
“I loved that I was able to go to a safe and quiet place to study without having to travel hours from home just to get to a classroom,” she said.
“Attending the Study Hub West Coast meant I was able to do all my course work while knowing I had the support I needed and there was somewhere I could study that had less distractions.
“I won’t say it was easy. When I first started I was very nervous. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster with all the ups and downs, but all-in-all I enjoyed every moment of my study experience.
“I met a whole new group of people, my own little University family, who helped support me and make me feel like I belonged.
“I’ve made so many memories with everyone I met, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for my future.”
Ivory hopes that part of that future will be another University of Tasmania graduation ceremony when she finishes a Bachelor of Dementia Care, which she is enrolled to start part time in 2023.
In the meantime, she has been busy job hunting and is eager to put some of the things she has already learned to good use.
University of Tasmania West Coast Regional Learning Officer Belinda Martin said the staff at the Study Hub were proud of Ivory’s achievement.
Ms Martin said there are many pathways to further education for people on the West Coast of Tasmania.
“The approach to learning is new and refreshing and focuses on improved educational pathways for and to make learning experiences available to all people from all walks of life,” she said.
“Taster short courses, seminars and steps programs are some of the great ways to commence the education pathway and can ultimately lead to increased employment opportunities and additional university studies.”
The University’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre delivers the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services.