Mc16 ec studysingles

Page 1

y d u t s o h w mums Now that you’ve settled in with your baby, you may be wondering what’s next. Well, have you considered hitting the books? Here we explore the growing options for mums keen to study

s

o you’ve had a baby, got settled into

course. Each university and faculty may have

accommodation, learning support, medical and

your new routine and have a bit more

different restrictions, so it is important to do your

health services, and counselling are just some of

time on your hands. What now? Do

research and work out exactly how long you have.

the resources a university might offer.

you go back to work? Look for another job? Find

With Open Universities Australia, a person

In addition, studying may seem impossible

a hobby? Start a business? After the birth of a

has access to online and distance education

for some because of fi nancial constraints but it

child your perspective on life can change, and

courses that are taught by leading universities

is worth looking into all of the options available.

your plans may too. Many mothers may decide

and higher education providers located around

Centrelink offers additional benefits such as

that they want to study – to get a fi rst or second

the country. Established in 1993, it provides

Jobs, Education and Training (JET) assistance

degree, or to pursue a new interest.

over 1,000 units and 90 qualifications taught by

which further subsidises childcare fees, as well

18 different universities; its mission being to

as the Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) to

available, study is an entirely possible option.

offer people the opportunity to access higher

help pay for things like books.

This is due to the growth of the Australian

education anytime and anywhere.

With the broad range of choices that are now

university sector, the introduction of more

For Laura Jane Lambert, 26, mum to Jackson,

A mother’s life is always busy but having such

22 months, and Maddox, four months, it’s all

learning options and the support choices offered

a diverse range of study options available means

about fi nding a balance in life. Both Lambert and

(such as childcare and counselling).

that it’s much more realistic to study and get a

her husband, Jason, 31, are studying nursing at

Since Australia’s fi rst university, The University Of Sydney, was established in 1851,

qualification today. ‘A large portion of our

the number of universities has grown and there

student cohort at the

are now over 40 Australia-wide. The development

University Of Southern

of the study sector is partly due to the many

Queensland (USQ) are

long-established colleges becoming accredited

mature-aged students, with

universities and to new universities emerging

children themselves and,

to service our expanding population.

like me, many are the fi rst

There are also other learning facilities. People

Mothers study to pursue an old dream or a new one, to earn more money or to change careers

people in their families to

have the option of going to TAFEs, business

undertake tertiary education,’ says Jo-Ann

USQ full-time. ‘Neither of us work. Instead we

colleges, institutes that specialise in certain areas

Sparrow, 38, who is a part-time communications

live on child payments and Austudy. Money is

such as drama or dance, or private colleges.

officer at the USQ Springfield campus. Mum to

tight at times but we just make sure we live on

nine-year-old Matt and nine-month-old Sam, she

a budget,’ she explains.

Gone also are the days when you had to physically be present in class. You can study on

is also studying a Masters Of Public Relations at

campus or via distance education (which can

the university part-time.

Having people around to lend a hand can often make things easier. ‘Jason’s and my parents often

Sparrow can spend anywhere from 10 to 20

help; we have an amazingly supportive family

you), and either full-time or part-time. Or there

hours per week on her studies depending on her

network. I just make sure that I have expressed

are options where you are able to combine a

workload. ‘It is a big commitment as any time

some milk for our youngest,’ Lambert says. ‘It’s

variety of learning methods to suit your life and

I spend studying or working directly impacts

possible to do. You just need to have an organised

budget, which means you can study at a university

on my other roles of wife, mother and friend, so

life. It’s hard at times but I just keep remembering

in another state or while working full-time.

I have to be confident that it is for a purpose and

what’s at the end.’

As a general guide, you can take up to 10 years

worth that time away from my family,’ she says.

to complete a university degree, which is perfect

Many universities now also provide a range

for busy mums as you can take time to do your

of services to help students “do it all”. Childcare,

108

my child

Mothers study to pursue an old dream or a new one, to earn more money or to change careers. Alison Nordling, 36, mum to four-year-old Emma,

PHoToGRAPHY IstocKPHoto

be online or you can get the information sent to


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Mc16 ec studysingles by Tatyana Leonov - Issuu