New adventure ruffles feathers

Jasper is going to have to get used to spending less time with his best buddy.

The rainbow lorikeet’s owner, Marnie McGillivray, is about to embark on a new phase of her life – as a university student.

Marnie is one of 250 new students who attended orientation at USQ Fraser Coast in Hervey Bay this week. Next week she will begin a four-year Bachelor of Education degree to become a teacher.

'I’d like to teach primary school,' Marnie said.

The 18-year-old attended many schools during her upbringing, which she believes provided her with a first-hand knowledge of different teaching styles and the positive impact that teachers can have on their students. She started her school journey in the Victorian town of Mildura and also attended schools in Canberra, Cairns and Mackay before completing her high school studies at Xavier Catholic College.

Marnie has already proven that she can teach. She taught Jasper to say ‘Where’s Marnie?’ and ‘Want a cup of tea?’ The talking, tea-drinking bird got used to having Marnie around the house after she finished school last year and spent the past few months on holidays.

'It shouldn’t ruffle his feathers too much by me being at uni though,' Marnie said. 'It would have been worse if I’d moved to Brisbane or somewhere else.'

'Besides, I should have plenty of time to spend with him when I’m studying....providing he doesn’t chew up my books.'