Hollie completed high-school and studied at TAFE for a few years gaining various certificates. After deciding to change her career, she sought out a more flexible study option and discovered Open Foundation.

“I had a long break from study and work full-time, as well as having learning difficulties. So, I wanted to give myself the best chance of doing well when starting a degree.”

Having the flexibility to choose between the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses allowed Hollie the opportunity to study with friends and make use of both campus offerings.

“Both campuses were the same time distance from my home, and I could make use of both when needed, as well as having a few of my friends studying there,” she said.

Experiencing anxiety and dyslexia, Hollie found that the embedded support through Open Foundation benefited her learning ability and helped her to progress towards future study.

“I was able to learn to properly write in academic style and create a good study/work/life balance,” she said.

The flexibility of the program allowed her to continue to work full time, reducing the stress and anxiety this could cause.

“Being able to study part time and having the support from the teachers and support services have been some of the key highlights of the program,” she said.

Hollie has gained more confidence through Open Foundation and has carried this confidence into her degree program after experiencing the tailored support from academics.

“The academics have gone above and beyond to support me throughout Open Foundation, as well as the drop-in sessions that were running,” she said.

Talking about how Open Foundation helped to build her confidence, Hollie reflects on the support she received.

“I get anxious applying for particular things but felt very supported to access what I needed,” she said.

Now studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced), she hopes to fulfil her career goals and continue to strike a good balance between work, study, and life.

“My interests and passions are within Mental Health, and I absolutely love working with adolescents with autism. I hope to become a fully registered Clinical Neuropsychologist.”

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Hollie Hudson

Hollie Hudson wanted to give herself the best chance to succeed in her degree. So, starting with Open Foundation just made sense.

I had a long break from study and work full-time, as well as having learning difficulties. So, I wanted to give myself the best chance of doing well when starting a degree.

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