Achieving lifelong dreams: Federation graduates celebrate success

More than 460 Federation University Berwick students will graduate this week – but for two students, Darcy Paterson and Rachael Jenkins, the milestone is extra special. 

They are among more than 1,500 students graduating across Federation’s campuses in April and May ceremonies, marking the milestone across a wide range of disciplines.   

Both graduates faced challenges during their studies – Darcy managing ongoing health conditions and Rachael balancing work and study – yet both have excelled thanks to their hard work and the support of Federation academics and staff. 

For Darcy, becoming a teacher has been her goal since childhood. 

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 11, nothing was going to get in the way of her dreams – graduating with a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Health and Physical Education. 

“Being a teacher is something I have wanted to do ever since I was in Grade 3. And the support I received at Federation has helped me get there,” she said. 

“That support allowed me to manage my conditions – and even taught me how to use assistive technologies to my advantage, so I can produce better quality work. 

“To any students wondering how to manage health conditions in conjunction with studying, I’d say: be open and honest with your professors and peers. The support is always there.” 

While studying, Darcy worked as a Learning Support Officer at a local primary school, supporting students with additional needs, including mentoring students with type 1 diabetes. 

“I especially enjoyed this part of the work, role modelling that despite our autoimmune disease we can still achieve our goals.” 

This year, Darcy commenced teaching Year 10 PE and Elite Sports, as well as a Year 11 class at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield. 

“I am learning so much every day and have enjoyed my first official term as a secondary teacher,” she said.   

“I have received a lot of ongoing support and encouragement from my new co-workers and mentors and have been grateful for the experience so far.” 

Much like Darcy, Rachael’s determination has helped her achieved her goal, completing a Bachelor of Secondary Education, while balancing work and study. 

Inspired by her own teachers during high school, she hopes to offer that same encouragement to her students – now teaching Year 8 and 9 Science and Year 10 Psychology at Fountain Gate Secondary College. 

“I wanted to become a teacher, so I could mirror the inspiration I got from mine – and be that kind of teacher for someone else,” she said. 

"I think it's really important for young people to have an understanding of science and psychology as it allows them to understand how their bodies and minds work, helping them to make positive choices in their everyday lives". 

While combining work and study can be daunting, Rachael said her mentors and peers helped her stay on track. 

“Sometimes I found it difficult to manage work and study – especially with assessment deadlines. But you can always ask for help – the support from lecturers and peers is really good,” she said. 

Together, Darcy and Rachael’s stories reflect the power of persistence, support and belief – and how, with the right encouragement, dream can become reality.