Kangan Batman TAFE student wins lifelong learning award
31 July 2008
Judy Constantine with lifelong learning award
As an only child, the decision to leave her parents and emigrate from Sri Lanka to Australia with her husband and baby daughter was a tough one for Kangan Batman TAFE nursing student Judy Constantine.
With her new baby, a Bachelor of Arts qualification and a work background in administration, Judy arrived in Australia seven years ago and started out on a whole new career path one which has seen her embrace a new passion for the aged care industry.
But all of Judy's hard work, determination and dedication to her young family was rewarded last week when she received the Lifelong Learner award at the 2008 Community Services & Health Industry Training Awards.
Presented by Patricia Josipovic, head of Victoria University's School for Health, the award recognises Judy's dedication to her training and determination to set off on a new career path.
"It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime evening I don't think I've ever experienced so much emotion in one night!" Judy said.
"It was just like the Logies when they announced my name. Earlier in the evening, I'd read through the profiles of the other award nominees and I honestly thought the award would go to someone else.
"When I went up to receive my award, the presenter asked me a few questions about my life, and that was a really special moment. I felt honoured that the judges thought I was worthy of such recognition.
"There are a few people in my life who have helped and supported me throughout my career and study, particularly my parents Mr and Mrs Peter. They've given me such guidance my mother is a biology teacher and she's really pleased that my career path has followed in her footsteps.
"I'd also like to pay tribute to my husband Bertram for his ongoing support and love. Karen, one of the training staff at Kangan Batman TAFE, has also been instrumental in my career. Her extensive knowledge of the industry is matched by her caring, nurturing approach to all nursing students."
Dianne Semmens, manager of Kangan Batman TAFE's Centre for Better Living, said Judy was a most deserving winner of the Life Long Learner award.
"Judy is a terrific ambassador for the Centre for Better Living and for the Institute," she said.
"She is worthy recipient of this award and her busy professional and personal life is testimony to that. In a few short years, Judy has managed to emigrate from Sri Lanka, settle her family in Melbourne, introduce her two young children to Australian culture and schools, seek employment, obtain her Certificate III and Certificate IV in Aged Care and then her Division 2 Nursing qualification with Kangan Batman TAFE as well as working in the aged care sector.
"On top of that she pursues her interest in singing and has released a CD - her energy, enthusiasm and persistence are inspirational and the award is just some recognition of her contributions and hard work."
Aside from collecting her award, Judy had one other important role in the evening's schedule. When Kangan Batman TAFE staff members discovered Judy's singing talents, they were quick to arrange for a few solo performances as part of the awards ceremony.
"I sang two numbers Mama Mia and Wind Beneath My Wings with the band and it was fantastic. Everyone got up and had a dance," Judy said.
"When the evening ended and we went home to tell the children about the award, they were both so excited. The first thing my three-year-old son Adrian asked me was if I was one, two or three!"
Photo credit: Image supplied by Happy Medium Photo Co.
