Charles Darwin University (CDU) graduate and single mother, Natalie DeCosta is living proof that the next new and exciting chapter in life can be just around the next corner.
The Certificate III Business Service graduate had plenty to celebrate at CDU's recent end-of-year graduation ceremony when she joined hundreds of others to receive her award.
At age 31, the Darwin local is already enrolled in the Certificate IV Business Service and is taking aim at a Bachelors degree.
“I hadn’t studied for quite a while and I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to handle to combine pressures of raising my son, ‘Junior’, and keeping my grades up,” Natalie said.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to undertake a uni degree and now I can’t wait to take on the next new and exciting challenge.”
While she aims to enter the accounting and taxation field after her studies, Natalie said her first priority lay closer to home.
“I’m a mother first and foremost. The fact that I’ve been able to don the robes was an added bonus and a great experience.”
When asked whether she had any advice for mothers thinking of returning to study, Natalie offered the same advice that has served her well over her journey.
“Just follow your ambitions because at the end of the day you’re the only person who has to live with the jubilation of realising your dreams or the disappointment of putting it off for another year.”