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It’s obvious we’re dealing with a couple of
superwomen here, so what’s their secret?
What is it like to study with children?
Angela: It’s a lot of hard work but it’s worthwhile.
Belinda: I have the support of my husband, Wayne, so I
can’t imagine what it’s like for a single parent. It’s still a lot of
hard work and motivation though.
What was the hardest part about getting back into
study after having kids?
Belinda: The first step through the door.
Angela: I agree, deciding to do it and taking action on it. I
had so many worries starting my degree.
What was your motivation to start studying again?
Angela: I needed a good job for myself and my family.
Belinda: I’ve got teenagers who are about to begin
university. As a strong believer of getting a university degree
but not having one myself, I wanted to prove to my kids that
anyone can get a university degree. One of my daughters has
even decided to do a business degree because of my studies
in accounting and finance.
Who inspires you now?
Belinda: Myself. I’ve achieved things I never thought I could.
Whenever I’m worried about an exam I just remind myself
that I felt this way before the last exam and I did really well.
Angela: Yes, myself. I just tell myself to keep going because
I’ve already gotten through so much of my degree.
What are the benefits of studying with children?
Angela: I think they inspire us to keep going and to keep
trying because they look up to our example. Now my children
expect to go to university too. It’s also great to get them to
do their homework with me.
Belinda: I’ve inspired my older children, who will inspire my
younger children. My younger children like to study with me,
which I think helps both them and me.
What are some tips for other parents who are
struggling with studies and children?
Belinda: Time management is essential. You can’t cut off
your children; they still need your time. I would recommend
you get to know your crockpot. I make all the meals for the
week at the start of the week, freeze them, and then chuck
them in the crockpot before I head off to university in the
morning.
Angela: You’ve got to be very organised and flexible. Set
study times could change in a second. I would recommend
making your study portable; I bring my study everywhere
with me. I put all my lecture recordings on my iPod so while
I’m driving the kids around I can listen to them. Make the
most of your spare time.
I think preplanning meals
is also essential, even if
you cook double when
you’re making dinner;
you then have dinner for
two nights.
The University of Southern
Queensland (USQ) and the
University of the Sunshine
Coast (USC) are currently
in discussions to enab H B