Emily goes from a shy student to a future police officer

When she enrolled in TAFE Queensland Senior College, Emily never imagined graduating with a newfound confidence, a diploma, and an ambitious justice career path.

Now a Diploma of Justice Studies (10972NAT) graduate, Emily is on the path to joining the Queensland Police Service, a dream sparked and nurtured by her experiences and teachers at Senior College.

Reflecting on her time at Senior College, Emily credits her former teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement at the high school.

Her journey wasn’t always easy; Emily had attended multiple schools and often felt overlooked due to her quiet nature. However, she found a welcoming environment at Senior College where her potential was recognised and fostered.

Offered exclusively at our Alexandra Hills campus, Senior College provides year 11 and 12 students with an alternative education option in an adult learning environment.

The program is perfect for 15 to 17-year-olds looking for a practical and independent alternative to the traditional high school system.

Students study in a flexible, personal, and mature learning environment, completing their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and working towards gaining an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Emily fondly recalled her business classes with Liz Morgan, a teacher who went beyond the curriculum to encourage Emily to step out of her comfort zone.

“Liz made a massive difference to my education. After years and years of failed classes and teachers who looked down on me because I was quiet, I had finally found a teacher who helped me get out of my shell,” Emily shared.

Through hands-on projects and mentorship, Liz helped Emily gain the confidence to excel academically and feel empowered to contribute to her community.  

Emily’s business project saw her raising money to support Redland Community Centre, DV Connect and Share the Dignity while inspiring her to continue supporting local initiatives, which she proudly shares with others today.

Craig Eades, Senior College’s principal, was unlike principals Emily had encountered before and left a lasting impact. He actively supported Emily’s project, going out of his way to provide resources and encouragement.

Another pivotal figure in Emily’s journey was her English teacher, Margie Blanch.

Before joining Margie’s Essential English class, Emily struggled with the subject and often felt intimidated.

But with Margie’s patience and dedication, Emily quickly grasped concepts she had once found daunting, growing her confidence enough to raise her hand and share her thoughts openly in the classroom for the first time in her schooling years.

“English classes were always loud and fun, which made those school days even better. I previously didn’t like attending school, but Margie and Liz’s classes made me want to go,” Emily said.

Now that she is a justice studies graduate, Emily is eager to bring the commitment and confidence she developed at TAFE Queensland to her future role in law enforcement and is working hard to get physically ready to join the Queensland Police Service.

“Senior College was more than a school; it was a community that helped me discover my potential and equipped me with both the skills and the confidence to pursue my dreams and make a difference,” she concluded.