Nicole
Coming to Marden
In 2007 I began Year 12 at my local high school. However, due to some disrupting life events I never managed to complete my SACE. I spent some time working for a bank before I found out I was pregnant in 2010. After a period of time on maternity leave I found it impossible to get a job, so decided to return to study.
I knew I wanted to attend university but had no idea what I wanted to study. Instead of choosing an alternate university entry pathway, I decided to go back to secondary education. I hoped this would develop my academic skills, bring me greater opportunities in terms of university placement and job prospects. I also hoped it would help me figure out what I wanted to do next.
I chose Marden Senior College because it promoted a supportive adult learning environment. I needed to be in a school which accommodated my role as primary caregiver of a three year old and a one year old. The campus was not local to me but I was happy to travel for the right school.
Experience at Marden Senior College
Luckily, my time at Marden was genuinely the best schooling experience I have had to date. I attended a variety of high schools when I was a teenager and I never really felt comfortable at any of them. My time at Marden was completely different. First and foremost, the teaching staff are a real asset to the College. They made my time there enjoyable and were always willing to go that extra mile to help. The atmosphere at the College was supportive, friendly and relaxed.
I undertook part time study, taking on the Stage 2 subjects Research Project, Health and Nutrition. After deciding Nutrition did not really interest me, I decided to transfer to Legal Studies. I received an A+ and a SACE Merit for Research Project and Health and an A for Legal Studies. I also received subject awards for all three subjects I studied, as well as various other achievement awards.
Choosing Legal Studies inspired me to apply for a place to study a Bachelor of Laws. I had not completed enough subjects to gain an ATAR, so I decided to sit the alternative STAT test to gain entry. The skills I had gained at Marden paid off and I was offered a place at UniSA in their Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Psychological Science double degree.
Achievements to date, today and the future
I am now in my second year at UniSA in the Bachelor of Laws program. Last year, I received a UniSA Merit for high achievement. I am also now employed at the university facilitating study sessions for first year law students.
I have developed an interest in criminal and international law and enjoy advocacy. I also would like to pursue an academic career part time after graduation. I am set to graduate in 2018, after which I hope to gain admission to the bar. Eventually, I would like to set up my own firm as a barrister and hope travel will be an integral part of my future career.
I have a busy life, with a family, work and full time study. However, I genuinely enjoy what I am doing and would never have been able to do it without my experience at Marden.
