From a young age, Blake was drawn to teaching. After testing out a few different career paths, he decided education was where he felt he could make a difference.

“I’ve always wanted to help people, especially children,” Blake said. “When I was in school I had always been an anxious kid and someone who needed assistance but didn’t want to put my hand up and ask for it. So, I want to become a teacher to make an environment that I wish I was in as a child – somewhere that’s supportive and positive.”

“I really think it starts with the teacher and how passionate they are and how much they care about their students.”

Blake is now incorporating that passion into the classroom during his placement experiences.

“I think teaching is about setting the foundation and then adapting as you go because each student is different. Being a good teacher is not just about education but creating a safe learning environment.”

Georgie is passionate about working in a person-centred healthcare role.

“I’m definitely a people-person and so I chose to study OT because it’s such a holistic way to help people by looking at all the different elements in their life – their social support, their environment, their body and mind, and how you can best help them to regain function or gain function for the first time. When I graduate, I’d like to work in a hospital setting in a multidisciplinary team.”

“I love the course, it’s a very personable environment where I feel like I know a lot of the teachers and my fellow students, with fantastic student support and a beautiful location. I’ve signed up to be on the OT student committee, and it's such a community-driven university, which I really like.”

Late last year, Georgie fulfilled her personal goal of running in the New York Marathon, and in doing so, she raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – she’s had diabetes since the age of one.

Georgie is one of the three proud Southern Cross University students awarded the 2024 International Women’s Day scholarship.  

EMMA ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO PURSUE TRADE CAREERS

Before picking up the tools, Emma faced the universal dilemma of choosing a career path. She was drawn to the idea of engaging in physical work but was unsure which direction to take. A visit to TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus marked a pivotal moment for Emma, and became the turning point in her career.

“Among all the different trade areas of electrotechnology, plumbing, automotive, carpentry and engineering, it was cabinet making that resonated with me. It just really stuck with me," said Emma. Emma is now thriving as first year apprentice at Joinery Eleven on the Gold Coast, while completing a Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus.

'My long-term career goal is to help create positive change in the wellbeing of the wider Aboriginal community. I decided to study pharmacy to get a deep understanding of medicine and patient care. I aim to combine theoretical and practical skills from my degree with my drive to better understand the needs of Aboriginal communities to contribute to closing the gap in health and life expectancy.'

Georgina is a Kamilaroi woman, completing her Bachelor of Pharmacy with distinction in 2021, and the following year Georgina was named the Pharmacy Guild of Australia / MIMS Intern of 2022. During her third year at Griffith, Georgina completed a rural placement in Bowen where she is currently working as a pharmacist.

Kaitlin Weekes recently graduated with a double degree in psychology and criminology, securing a role with the Queensland Police Service after being mentored by retired Police Inspector and fellow Griffith graduate Rob McCall. Griffith was one of the first universities in Australia to recognise the importance of providing industry mentors with the Industry Mentoring Program. “The industry mentoring program changed my life. Being mentored gave me confidence and the positivity to move ahead,” Kaitlin says. “Rob was incredibly helpful. The rapport between us was very open. And I think I needed someone that helped me recognise my strengths and weaknesses to further my career journey.”