Among the 160 graduates at the CQU Mackay graduation on Monday April 7 will be single mother Maria Harris, who will finally receive her Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Accounting degrees after 8 years of study.

Maria entered CQU as a mature-age student, who had never completed Year 12, but she was sure she needed to gain some kind of qualification.

Unsure how she would fair, she trialled one subject to see how she would cope with tertiary study.  After receiving a High Distinction for this subject, Maria took the next step.  She commenced studying as a full-time, on-campus student and, after a stint of work experience with Anglo Coal, was soon offered full-time work and continued her studies part-time. 

Maria worked in mines in Middlemount, Biloela, Dysart and now Moranbah, improving her skills and job at each stage and all the time studying part-time.

This single mum is now a Senior Accountant for BMA at Peak Downs Mine in Moranbah and the first in her family to receive a tertiary qualification.  She's already inspired the next generation with a daughter who "wants to be an accountant, just like mum, when she grows up".

After celebrating final exams last year and again celebrating receipt of that all-important letter stating she was eligible to graduate; Maria's partner is wondering just how many more celebrations there will be in the lead up to Maria's graduation next Monday.

Friends and family from the region and Brisbane will attend Maria's graduation on Monday in support of her great success.