Young mum Amy wanted a change of direction and pathway program Open Foundation helped her to get it.

“I had been having a bit of an identity crisis. I used to work in hospitality and left to raise my children. I was a stay-at-home mum for about 8 years. My youngest was approaching school age and I wanted to look for work or study options, but I was lacking direction. I was ready to take any opportunity that came along,” said Amy.

Amy decided to enrol in Open Foundation to get back into study. “I tried Open Foundation to see if an undergrad degree could be a realistic option for me. The teachers were excellent, and the subject matter was so interesting. I really felt like everything was falling into place,” said Amy.

Amy did face challenges with her study, juggling raising her children with fitting in school and other activities but was able to complete Open Foundation and go onto further study. After completing the pathway program Amy was accepted into her chosen degree and was also awarded with a Ma & Morley Scholarship. She is now studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biodiversity and Conservation and Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, aligning to her passion for caring for the environment.

Amy explains “I have always been an environmentalist, and I am into gardening, native beekeeping and learning about native plants, pollinators, and ecology in general. I want to have a part in protecting and restoring the environment. People are finally starting to realise that the environmental damage caused by humans is unsustainable and adversely affects human health and wellbeing as well as wildlife. I especially love insects, which are so important and yet so unpopular. I’m always trying to make people appreciate them and the roles they play in the ecosystem”.

She encourages others to take the leap and enrol in an enabling pathway program. “I hadn’t planned on being a uni student. I’ve met many new people and learned so much. I’ve had opportunities and experiences that I never would have had otherwise. Try it! You have nothing to lose. The enabling programs are full of people who want you to succeed,” said Amy.

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Amy Stephens `

Amy Stephens

Young mum Amy decided to enrol in Open Foundation to get back into study.

I tried Open Foundation to see if an undergrad degree could be a realistic option for me. The teachers were excellent, and the subject matter was so interesting. I really felt like everything was falling into place.

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