Learning to put herself first was the hard lesson to learn for new CQUniversity graduate Natalie Wright.

Natalie recently graduated with a Bachelor of Learning Management (Secondary) degree knowing that the "long, hard four years" was worth every minute.

Natalie Wright shows off her graduation certificate alongside her supportive family at the Gladstone graduation ceremony."I started university as a mature-age student (26) when my first two boys were just 2 and 3. I also got married in my first year. By my third year, I had my third son. It was a busy time, considering I also worked part-time throughout the entire course."

"Time management became very important. I had to learn not to leave study and assignments to the last minute, because nine out of 10 times something always went wrong. I even sat exams eight months pregnant - that was interesting!

"I had to learn to put myself first which was hard. Sometimes I just had to be selfish to get myself through."

Natalie now has plans on teaching for Catholic Education, but for the immediate future she is enjoying being with her young baby and celebrating her achievements.

As the first in her family to go to university, her parents, husband and children are very proud of what Natalie has been able to achieve and they are excited to have a bit more time with her.

Looking into the future, Natalie would also love to study tourism which would enable her to teach certificate level tourism courses.