Finding possibility and support through Open Foundation

When life changed unexpectedly, Kat never imagined university would become the place where she found support, strength and a renewed sense of direction.

Now in her second year of a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, Kat balances study with running her own cleaning business and raising two young children. She began her university journey through Open Foundation on the Central Coast, a decision that completely changed the course of her life.

Getting to university was not a straightforward path.

“I dropped out of high school in year 11. Did a few TAFE courses over 19 years, but no formal study.”

Despite always having a strong interest in nutrition, Kat believed becoming a qualified dietitian was out of reach.

“I struggled between doing short courses that would not allow me to be certified to practise as a dietitian, and the fact I didn’t get an ATAR due to dropping out of school,” she says.

Encouragement from friends eventually led her to explore her options at the University of Newcastle. A visit to the Ourimbah campus changed everything. While enquiring about Nutrition and Dietetics, Kat discovered Open Foundation.

“For the first time in years I realised that my degree may actually be possible!”

But just as her university journey began, Kat experienced unimaginable loss. In the first week of Open Foundation, the father of her children passed away unexpectedly.

“I went from a flexible coparenting schedule, to full-time parent, along with the emotional toll of a loss like that, a massive hurdle,” she says.

During one of the hardest periods of her life, Kat says the support she received through Open Foundation and the University community became life-changing.

“When the kids father passed away, I reached out to the AMAZING Holly Batten from the University’s Pathways team, and she organised to meet with me straight away,” Kat says.

“I fell apart in her office and she walked me gently through my options regarding support services, choices with my study, contacted my course coordinators to let them know I may need extensions for assignments.”

Kat says Holly also connected her with additional wellbeing support at the Ourimbah campus.

“She took me down to the health centre at Ourimbah and booked me an appointment with the counselling service.”

Kat says she began accessing counselling support through the University soon after, something that helped her navigate an incredibly difficult period.

“I continued seeing a counsellor through 2024 and into 2025, and I cannot thank them enough for getting me through such an awful year.”

Alongside emotional support, the flexibility of Open Foundation made it possible for Kat to continue studying.

“If not for the flexibility of Open Foundation, I would not have been able to complete [the program].”

Beyond academics, Kat found a strong sense of belonging and connection.

“I made lifelong friends during Open Foundation, as well as building fantastic relationships with staff, the pathways team, even the coffee shop lady!” she says.

That support continued when Kat was encouraged to apply for the Ma & Morley Scholarship, something she now describes as transformative.

“This is where Holly from PALS really changed my life,” Kat says.

“She suggested that due to my circumstances, I would probably be eligible for it.”

Kat says receiving the scholarship eased financial pressure while also opening doors to new opportunities and connections.

“The Ma & Morley Scholarship has made it financially possible to study, has opened my eyes culturally, with a strong focus on equal rights (which I am very passionate about), and leadership activities that have sparked my curiosity, passion, confidence and strength,” she says.

Additionally, Kat says the scholarship community has become another source of encouragement and belonging.

“I have found a new family of 26 fellow scholars who I bonded with immediately, we all talk every day, and we are each other's biggest fans and supporters.”

Looking ahead, Kat hopes her story encourages others who may feel unsure about starting university or believe it is too late to follow their goals. Her advice is simple.

“Just do it.”

For Kat, Open Foundation became far more than a pathway into university. It became a support network, a community, and the beginning of a future she once thought was impossible.

“Open Foundation changed my life and has changed the lives of so many other people I know,” she says.

Open Foundation changed my life and has changed the lives of so many other people I know.