“I’ve learned to rely on myself in a way many people never have to,” Berlinda Obrien shares.

“Losing my mother was shattering. I needed her support, her advice—but she wasn’t there,” Berlinda said.

“Then I had to dig deep just to keep going after losing my father. It was like losing my foundation twice.”

Growing up with financial hardship, Berlinda experienced the sting of societal judgment from a young age.

“Coming from a family without access to the same resources as others, I know firsthand how crucial that can be in shaping a child’s future,” she said.

These experiences channelled her into an early childhood education career to help children from similar backgrounds and provide a safe, nurturing environment.

Turning to TAFE Queensland, Berlinda enrolled into a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) at the Robina campus on the Gold Coast, where her dedication led her to be honoured as the ‘2024 Business and Education Student of the Year’ at graduation.

“Walking up to receive the award, I felt a mix of happiness, nervousness, and even relief,” she said.

"And graduating felt like crossing a finish line."

However, her experience at TAFE Queensland was so transformative, that Berlinda wanted to keep studying.

“It’s such a powerful moment when you step into a classroom that simulates a typical childcare setting complete with toys, books and education tools and realise you’re not just learning about child development in theory—you’re making a difference in children’s lives,” she said.

“And through work placements I got to apply what I’d learned in real childcare centers, interacting with children, learning to manage classrooms—it felt like my future was finally real.” 

Now, with an entry level job in childcare, Berlinda is continuing at TAFE Queensland, advancing her skills through a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121).

“I value the hands-on style of learning at TAFE so much that I’ve decided to keep studying and have encouraged some of my friends to join me,” she said.

“By recommending TAFE Queensland, I’m sharing more than just a course; I’m showing them a path to success, just as it’s helped me grow both personally and professionally.”

One of Berlinda’s learning assessments has inspired a clothes donation initiative, allowing her to give back to families in her native Fiji facing financial hardship.

Her support has brought essentials like clothing, shoes, and toys to families, including a family of seven recently abandoned by their father.

“Thanks so TAFE Queensland I have changed my life and I am able to make a real difference in the lives of others.”