“Living in Broken Hill offers a sense of a close community, tranquility and a slower pace of life. After growing up in Melbourne it is a complete lifestyle change,” says Country Universities Centre (CUC) graduate Gemma Hanson.
“There’s a reduced level of noise and congestion and it takes five minutes to get to work which enables you more time in your day for what’s important.
Ms Hanson is the latest in our Gradutes focus series which shows how the lack of a local university is really no impediment to students.
Studying a Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University and taking advantage of the links between there and our city’s CUC – she graduated last year.
She has always had an interest in Australia’s legal principles, governance, and justice system.
“My end goal is to combine my healthcare background with my law degree, having completed my Bachelor of Nursing 10 years ago,” Ms Hanson says.
Currently employed at Thrive Medical as the NDIS Care Services Manager, she says she loves her role.
“It provides me with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities” and now armed with her law degree, she says she has, “a unique skill set that would be extremely beneficial in areas such as medical law, medical ethics or healthcare policy”.
“I enjoyed the fact that this degree has equipped me with the analytical skills to conduct research, assist in my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities,” she added.
Ms Hanson credits the CUC for the vital role it played throughout her degree. Not only did the centre provide the environment and resources necessary for tertiary study to take place in Broken Hill, but it also provided one-on-one student services at flexible times.
“This provided me with the opportunity to meet with a learning support assistant on a regular basis throughout my degree which was invaluable and enhanced my student experience as it fostered a close-knit community and a quiet environment conducive to focus and to achieving my goals,” she said.
“While distance learning limits the interactions with fellow peers and professors, having the CUC available enables proactive communication with the student service team, resourcefulness, and a group of fellow motivated students all with a strong commitment to self-directed learning.”
In encouraging locals to pursue tertiary education, she says, “studying in a rural town such as Broken Hill can be extremely challenging but if you have a strong commitment to self-directed learning and access to a university centre such as CUC, utilise their resources.
“Your education is an investment in your future, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” she says.
