Written by Rebecca Rizk
I never thought university would be part of my story. After finishing school, I went straight into work and assumed that was the path I’d stay on. But in my late twenties, I discovered a passion for education, and with my husband’s support, I enrolled in a teaching degree.
During my second semester, I found out I was pregnant. It was an exciting time, but it also brought uncertainty. When my original university couldn’t offer online learning, I genuinely believed I’d have to put my degree on hold. After working so hard, that felt heartbreaking. Then I found Charles Sturt, and everything changed. I could keep studying without pausing my degree.
My daughter was only two weeks old when the semester began. As a first‑time mum learning to care for a newborn while studying, it was overwhelming, but I was grateful. A few months earlier, I thought my degree would be delayed, yet here I was, studying from home with my baby beside me.
I learned quickly that I had to maximise every moment. My study “desk” became wherever I was caring for my daughter. I nursed her while doing weekly readings on my phone, watched lectures during night feeds, and reminded myself that if I had time to scroll, I had time to study. I took my laptop everywhere, from baby sensory to playgroup, knowing that if she’d fall asleep in the car, she would give me precious study time.
I studied in bed during sleep transitions and at the kitchen bench with her in a baby carrier during her “only happy when held upright” phase.
Organisation became my lifeline. I planned assessments in submission order and relied on Charles Sturt’s automatic seven‑day extensions when life demanded flexibility, and it often did. I became extremely sick, moved from Sydney to Perth, and cared for my daughter through her own illnesses. Every time Charles Sturt supported me. Their flexibility made it possible for me to keep going.
I used the support available to me, including Studiosity, tutors, and opportunities to ask questions. Each of these helped me grow academically. But the support that truly carried me was my husband. His encouragement, willingness to step in, and believe in me made this journey possible. Because of that support, I achieved two Executive Dean’s Awards.
It wasn’t easy. I pushed through exhaustion, reminding myself it was only temporary. My daughter motivated me, making every assignment and late night feel worthwhile. My faith grounded me, and praying five times a day kept me centred, grateful, and connected to something bigger than the stress of deadlines and sleepless nights.
Studying education while raising my daughter has taught me resilience, discipline, and deep gratitude. Charles Sturt welcomed me exactly as I was and supported me through every season. They embrace students from all walks of life, and I’m truly thankful for the flexibility and understanding I received. This experience hasn’t just prepared me to teach; it has shaped the teacher I aspire to be.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
