How Elyse achieved success through support
It was only when I had my daughter that I took the time to reassess and think about what I really wanted for my future.
Elyse Hocking
Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science
After building a career and starting her family, Elyse Hocking took stock and realised it was time to pursue her real passion. She decided to change direction and return to study at VU. Thanks to the more manageable structure of the VU Block Model and the steadfast support of her mum Erica, Elyse has achieved what seemed an impossible dream.
“I had a good job in marketing which paid well, and I had never considered changing career. It was only when I had my daughter that I took the time to reassess and think about what I really wanted for my future.
"My love of horse riding and coaching kids was a motivator for my decision to study the Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science at VU. It also has the pathway into a Master of Teaching, which I hope to complete in future.
"The VU Block Model enabled me to come back and study. With the Block Model you only study one subject at a time every four weeks and campus contact hours are much more manageable. I was still able to work two jobs, in between my studies and raising my daughter."
I would not have been able to complete my studies without my mum – there is so much I couldn’t do without her. To be able to leave my kids with her as a safe place took a lot of pressure off, meaning that I could keep working, focus on my course and complete it with a 90% grade average.
"During the course, we gained practical experience, with regular school visits, so we could our lesson plans, from swimming to athletics and working with specialist schools in the area.
"I also had some great teachers who are extremely knowledgeable and supportive.
"My second baby arrived in August 2020 (yes, during lockdown!) and thanks to my mum’s help, I was able to return to finish off my final subjects when she was eight weeks old.”