When Deborah Wilson deferred her teaching degree she didn't think it would take 25 years to get back into the classroom.
But the principal's daughter, who is now herself a mother of four, returned to study in 2010 and is now finally nearing her goal of becoming a primary school teacher.
Deborah is in her third year of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree at the Queensland University of Technology's Caboolture campus and is one of QUT's top education students.
The Morayfield mum recently received her second consecutive Dean's Scholar award for her exceptional grades last year.
QUT is hosting two Return to Study information evenings on Brisbane's northside in June for people like Deborah who want to broaden their horizons - no matter how long it's been since they were in a classroom.
After finishing school in 1984, Deborah was accepted into university to study primary teaching but deferred for what was supposed to be one year.
"My life took a different direction and it took me 25 years to come back, but I won't be stopping this time around!" she said.
"After years spent raising my family, I decided it was finally time to do something for myself and re-enrolled at university to create a better future for my children and me."
Education is in the family and one of the reasons Deborah decided to pursue a teaching career.
"My father was a school principal so I grew up living in school houses in small towns and really loved the lifestyle," Deborah said.
"I love the school atmosphere and community feeling so I'm looking forward to becoming a part of that environment again."
Deborah credits her uni success to a number of factors, including the nurturing nature of QUT's Caboolture campus.
"The small class sizes mean I get to know all of my classmates, lecturers and tutors and I also have a very supportive group of family and friends that believe in me and keep me motivated," she said.
"I also think I succeed because I work hard. I participate fully and enjoy learning new things and spending time with the friends I have made at university."
After she completes her degree in 2013, Deborah hopes to work at a local school for a couple of years while her youngest child finishes high school, and then perhaps do country service.
QUT will hold Return to Study nights at the North Lakes Community Hall on Tuesday, June 19, and at the QUT Caboolture Campus on Thursday, June 21. Both events will run from 6pm to 7pm.
The seminars provide tailored information for non-school leavers or mature-age students who are considering undergraduate study.
They will cover pathways for entry into university, including past school results, work experience, previous study efforts, and life skills.
Information will also be provided on QUT's Q-Step Scheme, which can provide entry assistance for low-income students, as well as other financial support and scholarship opportunities.
For details, call 5316 7574 or email cabevents@qut.edu.au.
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Media contact: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
** High-resolution photo available for media use **
