Students begin their journey

Batchelor Institute students get started on their Higher Education journeys in Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS), Education, Creative Writing, and Nursing at a student orientation program held at Desert Peoples Centre (DPC) Alice Springs from 28 February 28 to 2 March 2013.

This marks a beginning for the inspirational Indigenous students who look forward to reaping the rewards of the learning journey and future pathways. Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education would like to acknowledge the determination of these wonderful students and their inspiration to other Indigenous Australians to take up education and career pathways.

A multitalented PTS student, Steve Hodder Watt from Alice Springs who volunteers on CAAMA Radio, interviewed a group of PTS students on Saturday March 2nd: Christopher Jordan from Taree, NSW; Clayton Simpson from Dubbo, NSW and Jackson McGregor-Cobbo from Cairns, North Queensland. The students shared their orientation experiences with listeners in Central Australia, discussed the course benefits and encouraged other Indigenous people to take up career pathways by studying at Batchelor Institute where Indigenous culture and friendly support staff are there to assist.

“I am very excited about the PTS course which can make a big difference for my future. I am glad about how Indigenous students are being accepted by Batchelor Institute staff. At first, I was worried about coming to DPC Alice Springs but I know I had to make this move to succeed in life. I was well assisted by the staff for filling out the forms and other matters,” PTS student, Christopher Jordan said.

Ronell Frazer from Barcaldine, Queensland expressed her satisfaction with the warm welcome for PTS students. Sarah Carmody, an Indigenous woman from Alice Springs, is starting her degree in Teaching and Learning. She said that the orientation days were great and she is looking forward to the workshops for hands-on learning.

The students were excited about the warm welcome by Batchelor Institute teaching staff and Student Services staff. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to enjoy and get to know each other and the lecturers.