Penny Stevenson found satisfaction in a teaching career for more than two decades, but still there was an itch to scratch.
She’d wondered sometimes about other paths and, when the opportunity arose to study Introduction to Law as a one-off unit, she jumped at it – and loved every minute.
The timing wasn’t quite right to jump into a full degree, but that changed after the birth of her second child and recovery from a serious illness. A conversation at the University’s Open Day confirmed it was time to try something new and she enrolled in a Bachelor of Legal Studies.
“I was still unsure about balancing the new workload with my family and work commitments,” she said.
“However, it quickly became apparent that studying the law was a natural fit, so I transferred into the Bachelor of Laws after just one semester and haven’t looked back.”
What followed was a seven-year journey, as a teacher, parent and student, that culminated in graduation with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a University Medal in 2023.
Mrs Stevenson had built a distinguished career as an educator after graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from the University in 2000. She’d worked in Hobart, Melbourne and London as an early childhood and primary teacher, curriculum developer and putting into practice the subject of her Honours thesis, philosophy for children.
“Teaching allowed me to not only continue my love of learning but also to share it with others,” she said. “I have been privileged to work with a wonderfully diverse range of people and develop many useful skills along the way.”
Studying again was a juggling act, but one that solidified her interest in environmental law. It would lead to another Honours thesis, this time on how businesses consider risks posed by biodiversity and ecosystem loss.
Stronger government regulation and a language around the environment that business can understand will lead to better outcomes, her research found.
“Tackling the dual global crises of nature loss and climate change cannot be achieved by governments alone,” she said. “Private actors also have a critical role to play.”
It took a village to produce an outstanding Honours degree in Law and Mrs Stevenson says it would not have been possible without the teamwork of family, friends and work colleagues.
“Parenting, working as a teacher, and studying part-time requires a constant juggle, with every semester presenting new logistical challenges,” she said. "I started studying in 2017, when my children were still very young, so arranging childcare and working around school pick-ups and drop-offs wasn’t easy. You become very adept at organising, time management, and prioritising.”
Now undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (which allows Law graduates to join the profession), Mrs Stevenson isn’t sure where her latest degree might take her. That will be the next part of the journey.
“One of the most rewarding parts has been getting to know the staff and students at the Law School, who continually inspire me with their passion, intellect, and commitment,” she said. “I have made some lifelong friends, with whom I have been lucky to share the common experience of returning to study as a mature-age student. I also have enormous respect for the teaching staff who have so generously shared their expertise and enthusiasm with me over the past seven years.”
Are you looking for a career change or want to follow your passion? Learn more about studying for the Bachelor of Laws.