TAFE course paves way to law studies

Two former TAFE students will move a step closer to realising their dream of working in the legal profession when they begin studies in the new Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) next week.

Friends, Sandi Shuttleworth and Kelly Lapham graduated from the Diploma of Justice Administration program together at the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT) last year and both have now enrolled at USQ to take their studies to the next level.

Originally seeking a career in customs or the police service, Kelly completed the diploma at TAFE as a mature aged student as she hadn't completed Year 12.

'I chose to study law because it's something I have always been interested in,' Kelly said.

'I was doing well in TAFE, achieving credits and distinctions most of the time and I began to realise that I do have what it takes to apply for university - I decided to just go for it.

'I chose to study at USQ because the classes are a lot smaller than other universities and the lectures would feel more like a one on one lesson, like we had at TAFE.'

'It sounds corny, but I have always wanted to be a lawyer, even since primary school,' Sandi said.

'I just didn't think I was capable of doing it. I told my TAFE teacher this and half way through studying the diploma he said I should consider applying for Law at university, so I did.'

Sandi will again balance being a single parent with work and study when she begins her university studies.

'It is hard financially and I don't have much time to see family or friends but I hope in the end it will all be worth it.'

Sandi said she was ecstatic when she learned she had been accepted into Law at USQ.

'It's an amazing feeling to know that you are good enough to study law, to know that you can actually achieve something you've dreamt about your whole life. I feel like I have worked hard for it though.'

Kelly said she is feeling very excited as well as nervous at the prospect of studying full-time at university.

'I have mixed emotions as I don't really know what to expect, but I am also very excited to think about the future and when I finish my studies to find out what my career will be and what area I will be working in.

'Finishing TAFE has helped me a lot. Being a mature aged student I hadn't been in a classroom for a few years and my mind had to adjust to study again. It has been a good warm up for me.'

When she finishes her Law degree Sandi hopes to become a barrister and perhaps a Judge's associate to improve her career prospects.

Kelly is unsure of which area of law she will pursue but is currently leaning towards a career in property law.

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979