Local mum Joanna Lee has taken the long road to finding a career path that inspires her by studying an enabling program at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus.

After working in various administration roles in the United Kingdom and immigrating to the region with her young family, Mrs Lee completed the Intensive Open Foundation Program at the Central Coast campus and is now on track to become a primary school teacher.

Mrs Lee embarked on university study last year when she completed the six-month tertiary preparation program while balancing her learning with the sole care of her two children.

“My husband was away at the Police Academy in Goulburn at the time, so I was not only studying for the first time but I had to juggle my uni work with caring for the children and running the family home,” Mrs Lee said.

“The hard work was worth it and now I am really enjoying studying in my first year of a Bachelor of Education at the Central Coast campus and look forward to becoming a primary school teacher.

“Studying at university has always been on my „bucket list‟ and the Intensive Open Foundation Program gave me the skills and the confidence that I needed to achieve my dream.”

The University of Newcastle is the oldest and largest provider of enabling programs for prospective students in Australia. The Intensive Open Foundation program is open to people 20 years or older.

Enrolments are now open for the semester two 2011 Intensive Open Foundation Program. The deadline for applications is Monday 20 June 2011. For more information visit www.newcastle.edu.au/students/foundation-studies/open-foundation

Prospective students can learn more about the Intensive Open Foundation Program by attending an information session in at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus, Lecture Theatre 2, on Wednesday 15 June at 6pm.

For interviews and photo opportunities with Mrs Lee contact University of Newcastle Media and Public Relations Officer Leonie Brann on 02 4921 6856 or 0448 898 813.