A different way in, a powerful way forward

When Caitlin finished high school, university wasn’t part of the plan.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I was in school… to be frank, I had zero intention of studying back then, let alone university.”

Like many students, Caitlin’s path wasn’t linear. After years away from study, she found herself ready for something more, but unsure how to get there.

“It wasn’t until I was the ripe old age of 23 that I even decided what I really wanted to study, and how to achieve that goal.”

Caitlin’s first step into university didn’t begin with a degree, it began with Open Foundation.

“I panicked after opening my ATAR score letter… that stated: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ATAR. If it wasn’t for programs like Open Foundation, there is no way I would have been able to get into university.”

What she discovered was more than a pathway. It was a turning point.

“Without a doubt, Open Foundation is really in the name. It helped me build a foundation of belonging and preparedness for university life.”

From learning how to study again to navigating university systems, the program gave Caitlin a sense of confidence she hadn’t had before.

“The program helped me get my brain into gear for study and opened my mind to what to expect in subjects entering the degree I wanted.”

That preparation paid off almost immediately.

“When I tell you how big boss I felt in my first human bioscience lecture in year 1… I knew it all! We had covered 80% of the subject matter in Open Foundation! I felt like I had a head start.”

Starting university can be daunting, but Caitlin didn’t feel like she was doing it alone.

“When I started my degree, I walked into the lecture hall with at least 15 faces I already knew, with lecturers I already knew, on a campus I already knew.”

It’s this familiarity, combined with the skills she developed, that made all the difference. The impact went beyond academics. It shaped how she approached challenges and opportunities.

“It literally gave me all the foundational skills I needed, and instead of me going into lectures not knowing, I'd go into lectures and think, oh yeah I remember learning about that in Open Foundation!”

Today, Caitlin is a thriving healthcare professional.

“I am a 6th year Registered Nurse. I have done a lot in my short time of nursing including operating theatres, medical and surgical wards, public and private hospitals, and community care.”

Now working in aged care, she has found a field she’s passionate about. Her university experience continues to shape her every day.

“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t do something at work that I haven’t learnt from uni.”

And the study habits she built during Open Foundation are still with her.

Looking back, Caitlin is clear about the role Open Foundation played in her journey.

“Invaluable. If I had not taken the program, I likely would not have even gone to university.”

More than just a pathway, it became the foundation for everything that followed.

“Say yes to participating in every experience offered and treat this program as your foundation to the rest of your university life (because really, it is!).”

For anyone considering university, especially if you’re unsure where to start, Caitlin’s message is simple:

“Open Foundation is free! There is nothing to lose. Do it!! It is the first step to shaping your future.”

Without a doubt, Open Foundation is really in the name. It helped me build a foundation of belonging and preparedness for university life.