Graduating year 12 against the odds
Like most year 12 students across the state, Tallarna Tyson is getting ready for her formal and graduation. Unlike most Year 12 students, Tallarna is a mother of two.
Her education was disrupted when she fell pregnant at 15 and again at 17 but got her second chance at senior schooling from Carinity Education – Southside. The school is the only all-girls school in Queensland dedicated to supporting students to overcome significant barriers to education.
“I realised I wanted a better life for my children and I couldn’t do that with a Year 9 education,” she said.
With the on-site crèche, Southside was the way she could complete her education without worrying about finding childcare.
“I came here just over two years ago and after a while I was offered a scholarship by the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation because I was doing well. This really helped as I still had two small children at home.”
Like many other Year 12s graduating, she has big plans for the future.
“I’m looking forward to getting part-time work and studying a Certificate 4 in Youth Justice next year. Once my youngest is in school, I’m planning to get a degree in nursing and midwifery.”
“The thing I’m going to miss the most about being here is the staff, they’re so supportive and let me get away with being a bit cheeky. I’m also going to miss getting lunch everyday as its hard enough getting the kid’s lunch ready for school.”
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Emma Sugget, Communications Officer, Carinity
Ph: (07) 3550 3769 / 0409 865 930
Email: emma.sugget@carinity.org.au
