Renee Kruizinga overcame a personal tragedy to graduate with flying colours with the help of VU’s  counselling services and support.

"I was thrilled when I was accepted into VU’s applied science bachelor course after completing a Diploma in Sport Development at TAFE.

Halfway through my course I broke both my elbows which limited my learning. I decided to defer my studies until I got better. When I returned to uni, I was struck by another personal tragedy which affected my studies.

Thankfully, I received a lot of support from my teachers and the counselling services really helped. I think VU helped me through two of the hardest times in my life.

I did several work placements but my favourite was definitely teaching tennis at a school for deaf children.

I am honoured to be nominated for a 5 Star Community Coach Award by the Australian Sports Commission for my hockey coaching at Frankston’s St Francis Xavier Primary School.

Next year I hope to be a qualified PE/Health secondary school teacher."

Courses studied

Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education) (Secondary), 2012

Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, current

Find out more about sport courses at VU