Finding confidence, community and growth at TAFE Queensland

At the same time, they were juggling multiple jobs — a demanding pace that eventually led to an important realisation.

“I knew I needed change, not because my path had no value, but because I stopped growing with it,” said Rhyan.

At the time, Rhyan was volunteering at TAFE Queensland as a tutor when an unexpected opportunity arose: undertaking a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122).

Accepting it meant stepping away from their thesis — a confronting decision, but one that proved transformational.

“It turned out to be one of the best ones I have made,” Rhyan said.

What followed challenged many assumptions about vocational education.

“I learned quickly that moving from university to TAFE was not the ‘easier’ route. TAFE Queensland was rigorous, practical, and demanding in entirely different ways,” explained Rhyan.

There were second attempts, unsatisfactory results, and moments of self‑doubt.

But there was also strong support. Rhyan credits their trainer, Petra Cross, for holding high expectations while never letting students feel unsupported.

“You never recognise how important it is to have a supportive educator until you start seeing the impossible as possible,” said Rhyan.

One phrase in particular became a guiding mantra, as Petra often reminded the class, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

One of the most unexpected aspects of Rhyan’s experience was the sense of connection it fostered, even in an online learning environment.

“Unlike my thesis work, which is independent, TAFE Queensland granted me a sense of community,” Rhyan said.

Learning alongside others made the challenges more manageable and more human.

“It was refreshing to struggle together for once, and to be reminded that learning is not something that we do alone,” Rhyan said.

Like many students, Rhyan studied while navigating major life events: balancing work, planning a wedding, and even taking their honeymoon early “to plan ahead.”

But the most profound journey ran quietly alongside their studies — caring for their senior cat, Gracie‑May.

“She sat beside me through every online class, assessment, and long nights of study,” Rhyan said.

After 13 years together, Rhyan said goodbye to Gracie-May on the night before their final TAFE Queensland assessment. The loss was devastating, but it reshaped Rhyan’s understanding of perseverance.

“It reminded me that perseverance doesn’t always mean pushing harder,” Rhyan said. “Sometimes it means continuing gently.”

Once again, the lesson echoed: one bite at a time.

Reflecting on the experience, Rhyan says their time at TAFE Queensland provided something invaluable before returning to university study.

“I gained skills I didn’t think were possible for me before starting this course, and the confidence to try new things — even when they scared me,” said Rhyan.

Since graduating, Rhyan plans to continue tutoring while seeking further opportunities for study.

Looking further ahead, their long‑term goal is to work in training and assessment while returning to university, combining vocational education with academic study to support others on their learning journeys.