Written by Mitch W
If you had told me a few years ago that I would be back at university, I probably would have laughed. I was living and working overseas, thoroughly wrapped up in a completely different chapter of life, when the pandemic turned the world upside down.
Moving back home to Australia was the ultimate reset button. I found myself re-evaluating what the next ten years should look like, with absolutely no original plans to study. Instead, I took a role as a high school teacher’s aide, and that transition became the catalyst for a life I hadn’t planned, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Years earlier, I had attempted university. Looking back now with the benefit of hindsight, the truth is simple: I just wasn’t ready. I lacked the focus, the drive, and the clarity of purpose needed to make it work. I was simply going through the motions because it felt like what I was supposed to do next. That first attempt predictably fizzled out, leaving me convinced that academia simply wasn’t my path.
But working in the timber and metal workshop changed everything. Seeing the inner workings of education firsthand, I quickly realised that my passion for the trade could become a pathway to a new career and a great way to inspire the next generation. The practical realities of the classroom clicked with me immediately.
Then, the stars aligned. I heard about a scholarship opportunity through my workplace that suddenly made the idea of further education feel tangible. When I was lucky enough to secure it, it felt like a massive vote of confidence – an open door handed to me at precisely the right moment.
The biggest difference between then and now comes down to a single word: mindset. Stepping back into study with a bit of life experience completely changed the game for me; it meant bringing years of real-world perspective to the desk and actually understanding the value of what I am learning. My perspective on life, time, and responsibility has completely evolved. Today, my motivation is deeply personal. I have a young family, and trying my absolute best to give them the highest quality of life possible is an incredibly powerful motivator. Now that I am studying to build a bright future for the people I love most, my entire approach has changed.
To survive the juggle of a three-year-old at home, a full-time job, and a Bachelor’s degree, I’ve had to become a master of logistics. It is a constant exercise in managing my own learning, staying disciplined, and taking total responsibility for my progress. Whether it’s studying in the van during university trips to Wagga or hitting the books long after the bedtime routine, every single minute is accounted for. There are days when the mental fatigue is heavy, but the sense of purpose is always stronger.
Of course, nobody succeeds alone, and my family has been the absolute bedrock of this journey. From my partner’s endless patience to the encouragement from my colleagues, I’ve been surrounded by people who believe in the end goal. My workplace has been an incredible environment for growth, where mentors treat me as a future peer rather than just an assistant, reinforcing that teaching is a truly collaborative job.
Ultimately, stepping back into the role of a student has given me a profound empathy for the kids I’ll eventually teach. I know exactly what it’s like to feel challenged by a new task, to struggle with a deadline, and to feel that spark of pride when a complex project finally comes together.
Starting over in mid-life is demanding, but I am not just studying for a grade; I’m studying for a future that I’ve chosen with intention. The path from the workshop to the front of the classroom has been a whirlwind of growth, but with a bit of grit, I am genuinely so excited to be in the position I am in right now.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
