Georgia Young began her university study after finding herself burnt out and needing to reset. Working three jobs and focusing on other aspects of life, Georgia found herself looking for a change.

“I came across Open Foundation at The University of Newcastle. I saw that it was free, I saw that I could learn, and it looked like that change that I could make.” she said.

Having decided not to complete Year 12 and instead move onto work, Georgia never thought university was an option. She had a different view of what university was - a fancy, smart person's destination; it seemed more like a distant dream than a reality.

“Uni seemed like something for people that had more – more money, more time, more brains." Georgia said.

Despite her previous experience with education, Georgia found a way to explore her options and found the courage to apply to Open Foundation.

“I started to believe that university is for anyone if there are enough resources and support available.”

“Education opens doors, allows for critical thinking, and grants access to a better life. Undoubtedly, Open Foundation did this for me,” she said.

Reflecting on the start of her university experience, Georgia recalls Open Foundation taking the fear and mystery out of study.

“A huge part of getting the most out of the program is taking the opportunities offered to you and accessing the supports available.“

“People that return to study come from very diverse backgrounds and the flexibility of the program is brilliant for that very reason,” she said.

With the specalised support offered in Open Foundation, Georgia had the confidence to continue into undergraduate study.

“I gained a huge range of study skills that were so helpful going into undergraduate studies. From essay writing skills, familiarity with the university environment, to something as seemingly simple as learning the university online system to access course work,”

“Accessing all the supports in Open Foundation enabled me to stay in it and continue on from it. I knew how helpful Open Foundation was whilst studying, and then I realised all over again once I commenced and continued undergraduate studies,” she said.Speaking of her highlight from the program, it was realising she deserved to be at university and pushing through the challenges of study and a complete change to her lifestyle and goals.

“My number one highlight was realising that I actually can and deserve to be in a university environment. It wasn’t easy, but getting through the challenges, asking for support, talking to lecturers, tutors and other students were also some of my key highlights,” she said.

Finding Open Foundation changed Georgia’s life for the better. It provided a free and flexible option for education, an opportunity for her to change her surroundings and meet new people.

“I so strongly believe that Open Foundation set me up to be a better undergraduate student. Better yet, I would not be in undergraduate studies without it. I am 100% sure of that,” Georgia said.

Since completing Open Foundation, Georgia has gone on to study a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and attributes her success in this degree to the start Open Foundation gave her.

“After Open Foundation, I chose to study a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and I am so glad that I did. It really suits me, my passions, and it’s a highly regarded experience-based degree.” Georgia said.

During her undergraduate study, Georgia has secured a Ma and Morley scholarship aimed at inspiring and educating University of Newcastle students that want to change the world.

Inspired by her success, Georgia constantly reflects on her own abilities and how far she’s come. To continue her study and be passionate about what she’s doing, and her future has changed completely from what she once thought possible.

“The Georgia that was in school, the Georgia that left school, the Georgia that volunteered and worked before university would not recognise the Georgia that I am now. Not for one second did I think I would be at university, let alone have a scholarship and be doing well in a university environment. I didn’t even think I would finish Open Foundation,” Georgia said.

Georgia encourages anyone looking to take that next step to follow their dreams, even if they don’t think it’s possible. Open Foundation gave Georgia the start she didn’t know she needed, take the leap and study today.

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Georgia Young

Georgia Young found Open Foundation at a difficult stage of her life. To say this program has improved her life for the better would be an understatement.

I so strongly believe that Open Foundation set me up to be a better undergraduate student. Better yet, I would not be in undergraduate studies without it. I am 100% sure of that.

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