Going above and beyond the call of duty is all part of life for mother of two Karen Lewis who thrives on the challenge of juggling work, family and study.
But the hard work has not gone unnoticed with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) education student winning a 2010 Student Leadership Excellence Award in recognition of her contribution to the university and local community.
Mrs Lewis, who is completing her final year of study at QUT's Caboolture campus, said helping others "is just what you do".
"I do like to help people and I believe in giving back to the community," she said.
As a QUT peer mentor, Mrs Lewis has helped guide new students through the challenges many face when starting university.
"I have always been a believer that if you can help someone, you should," she said.
Mrs Lewis has also volunteered at QUT orientation days, helped fellow student develop ICT skills and has tutored students in the Computers for Nervous Beginners program.
Outside of QUT she has tutored children with reading difficulties, supported learners with difficulties at Morayfield East State School and participated in the Building Bridges research project at Grace Lutheran College.
As a mature-aged student, Mrs Lewis said while she might have been a little nervous when she first applied to study at QUT, when she was accepted it was a "proud moment".
"Studying for a degree was something that I wanted to do for myself," Mrs Lewis said.
"I had done so much for others over the years, and this was something that I wanted for me.
"And while I have still kept working and accomplished other things, I have really have enjoyed this great educational and learning experience."
Mrs Lewis credits much of her achievement to the QUT Caboolture campus environment.
"Yes I put in the effort but I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have the support and opportunities that have been offered to me by QUT and the staff at Caboolture," she said.
When Mrs Lewis completes her degree she hopes to teach locally until her children finish their schooling.
"Then I would like to work in a rural area, I think I would find that very rewarding," she said.
To find out more about studying at QUT attend QUT's Caboolture Campus Open Day on Sunday August 15 from 9am to 2pm. Visit www.openday.qut.edu.au/caboolture for details.
Media contact - Sandra Hutchinson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2999 or s3.hutchinson@qut.edu.au
**A high-resolution photo of Karen Lewis is available for media use
