Carinity Education unlocking Monique’s true potential

It’s hard to believe that Monique, a confident graduate of Carinity Education Gladstone, once struggled in school. But Monique’s educational journey was far from smooth.

“I was having a really hard time with schoolwork at my old school. I couldn’t stay still or focus,” she said. “The teachers didn’t know how to handle me. I have dyslexia and when I struggled keeping up, I’d get frustrated and disrupt the class.”

Eventually, Monique dropped out. A guidance counsellor from her previous school suggested Carinity Education Gladstone, believing it could offer the support she needed. After taking some time off, Monique enrolled – and her experience was life-changing.

“Carinity was like no other school I’d been to. The staff weren’t just kind and supportive, they completely changed the way I saw education. Learning became fun and engaging. The small class sizes meant the teachers could really get to know us and understand how we worked. They paid attention to our individual needs.”

Carinity Education Gladstone Principal, Jane Greenland, remembers when Monique first arrived at the school.

“Monique was referred to us because she struggled attending mainstream schooling, showed evidence of anxiety, and had learning difficulties. Monique thrived in every way at Carinity – she worked with us, communicated well, and was open and honest. We will always hold a soft spot in our hearts for Monique.”

One of the school’s youth workers, Cassie Benjamin, shared similar memories.

“Monique flourished in the Carinity environment where she was allowed to be herself and didn’t feel judged by her peers or staff. She was comfortable sharing her life and struggles and was open to guidance on all kinds of levels. Monique had a knack for being a caring friend and supportive of the staff who helped her,” Cassie said.

Monique reflected on how the staff took a personalised approach to teaching.

“When I’d get frustrated, instead of brushing it off, they’d take the time to really listen and help me figure out ways to manage my emotions and focus better. They made learning hands-on, which is how I learn best. They adapted to me.”

When prompted on her fondest memories, Monique recalled how teachers took an interest in students beyond academics.

“Lunchtimes were great, but the best part was how the teachers connected with us. They’d play with us, joke around, and organise outings to our favourite spots, like the skate park or the beach. I was part of a project on fish care, and we even had two fish tanks in class. I led one of the groups in taking care of our tank,” Monique said.

According to Cassie, Carinity Education Gladstone gave Monique the support she needed – not just for her education, but also the confidence she needed to be the best version of herself. This support made all the difference for Monique.

“They listened to me, figured out how I learned best, and made school interesting. They did a lot of one-on-one work with me, which helped me grow.”

On graduation day four years ago, Monique was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I cried. I couldn’t believe I had actually passed and graduated. I was sad to say goodbye to what had become my second home,” she said.

“The teachers were like family. Getting up on that stage, seeing the people who helped change my life, made me so happy. It gave me hope that I could do anything.”

That newfound confidence was evident when Monique spoke about loving her work as a Process Technician at Queensland Alumina. Since leaving school, Monique has gone above and beyond her goals. She’s pursued further studies, becoming a valuable employee and a mature, confident young woman.

“I’m so proud of how Monique’s taken charge of her own career and found a sense of fulfillment within herself, achieving so much along the way,” Principal Jane said.

Monique recently returned to the school to reconnect with the teachers and youth workers she remembered fondly.

“I loved going back, I had the time of my life telling them how good my life is going and about how I miss the school,” Monique said.

“But most of all I loved the opportunity to go see all the people who helped shape my life and see how they are doing.

“And to tell them about all the fun things I get to do at work and outside of work. There’s honestly nowhere else I’d recommend more!”

Read more stories from Belong – Spring 2024