Learning to fly: How LPF transformed Trish’s journey
For Trish Robinson, the thought of completing a degree as a mature-age student was fanciful.
Juggling two children (one herself at university) alongside full-time work as a teacher’s aide, negotiating a return to higher education at the age of 42 seemed a bridge too far - financially and timewise - when suggested to her by colleagues.
“Having first started an education degree at QUT more than 20 years ago, before being unable to continue, I started out again online, part-time … but it was not realistic to keep doing that for another eight years,” Trish recalls.
Since her initial venture into university two decades earlier, Trish had married, had children, divorced and, by necessity, found work at her son’s school (he was 12 at the time).
Desperate to find a way to re-open the door to study and safeguard her family’s financial future, Trish applied for a Learning Potential Fund scholarship.
Becoming an LPF recipient changed her life journey. 
Fast forward, and Trish is the proud owner of a Bachelor of Education degree (Early Childhood) and working in a role she loves in her hometown of Beaudesert.
“Without the LPF, there was simply no way it could have been done. I was working five days a week as a teacher’s aide – and to study, I would have to drop back to 15 hours per week,” Trish says.
“The money helped in so many ways. Laptop maintenance, internet bills - I was still living in a rural area initially, so those were high – travel, accommodation, fuel.”
The LPF also boosted Trish’s self- belief, simply because “someone else was willing to help”. Trish received a donor-supported scholarship during each year of study, including those donated by Dr Laurie Cowled and the Creed Family.
“My final year of study was really tough,” she says of 2023. “I had two placements – at a rural kindy in Ayr, and a primary placement just outside of Beaudesert – which I simply could not have done without the LPF.
“I had to be away from work for large chunks of time, meaning a limited income stream. But the Learning Potential Fund alleviated the financial pressure. “
As a single mum, working and studying while supporting the family, Trish made sacrifices but it has paid off in spades. She is revelling in her first year as a prep teacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
“It’s amazing. I love helping kids learn and discover things, and seeing faces light up when they learn something new. They’re always so engaged.”
To open doors for more people like Trish, donate to the Learning Potential Fund
