Former Swiss now nursing ambition in Mackay
Published on 18 April, 2011
Mackay mother-of-three Maria Morokutti has followed a journey of redemption since her marriage break-up, thanks to the restorative power of education.
Now enrolled in a Nursing degree at CQUniversity, she has related how the STEPS preparatory program was a stepping stone towards new opportunities.
"Just before my 40th birthday my husband left. I was devastated. Becoming a single mum wasn't something I thought I would ever face. I felt so dependent because I was a stay at home mum, for our beautiful three primary school aged children, over the last 10 years.
"As I was born in Switzerland and immigrated to Australia at the age of 22, English is my second language. Also all the qualifications from Switzerland as pharmacy assistant are not recognised in Australia. Another big hurdle for me was that I had no work history for the past ten years and therefore no professional references either."
Maria says she decided to start by volunteering and became a telephone counsellor for Lifeline, which in turn helped keep her 'grounded'.
"I started looking at jobs that I could possibly get but with the awareness of still having 25 years in the workforce ahead of me I knew I had to start again and get an education, so applied for STEPS.
Maria Morokutti enjoys campus life
"The lecturers were so supportive and motivating and spending a lot of time and effort to help us do our best.
"Great friendships developed and for the first time in years I was doing something for myself. The children were so understanding that I had to do my own homework now and proud of me.
"Every day we learned so much new and I felt it was all very important and didn't miss a lesson throughout entire program.
"I surprised myself with the results I was getting back, especially as I did very well in writing assignments. When I got an HD plus for the major essay I was so happy and knew that all the late nights and sacrifices the children and I had to make during this time were worth it and I was on the right track.
"Finally I saw a light at the end of the tunnel and for the first time in a long while I felt confident that I will be ok and I can succeed at University."
The next STEPS intake testing event in Mackay is Wednesday June 15 from 9am, with details via Frank Armstrong on 4940 7855.
Prospective undergraduate or postgraduate students will be welcomed to special Mid-Year Events at most CQUni campuses from 3pm-7pm on May 24. Details will be available soon via http://www.cqu.edu.au/midyear or right now at 13 27 86 .