Juggling the demands of motherhood and university study has not always been easy, but it’s an experience that Jariah Kaissis has enjoyed all the way.
Aged 35, the Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Hons) student is on the home straight of her first tertiary experience with October 2010 marking the completion date for her thesis and the Honours component of her awards.
Jariah’s inspiration for her chosen field of study came from an unlikely source.
“I began reading some self-help books and felt empowered by the changes I could make to my own behaviour,” she said.
“Completing a uni degree has always been an ambition of mine.”
Jariah graduated with a Bachelors award at CDU’s recent mid-year graduation ceremony during which she gave the students’ response.
She said that by setting goals and using lists to work through and keep on track, she was able to juggle the competing demands of her studies in Psychology and raising a family.
“Staying motivated was a challenge at times. I keep thinking of the great career at the end of it and that keeps me going,” she said.
“In five years I would like to be working for an employer and also beginning to set up my own private practice.
“Whether it is working in research, counselling or rehab, I really want to work with Indigenous people to improve their lives.”
When asked about words of wisdom for others contemplating university but putting it off, her advice was simple.
“Do it. It’s not as hard as you think it’ll be and time goes by very fast. You will really enjoy being a student at CDU, learn heaps and meet lots of great people.”