My name is Nareeta Davis and I am in my final year of the Bachelor of Laws program. I have been studying the degree with CQUniversity by distance education.
I entered the Bachelor of Laws as a mature age student upon a significant event that I then felt enlightened and provided me with the confidence to follow my intrigue and passion to study law. I have always been interested in law and am so excited that I am nearly finished my degree. I always had an inner curiosity and intrigue in the law since I was young, but school life for me growing up wasn’t really easy. However, I realise now that I am ready at this stage of my life to pursue my interest, and know that it is definitely achievable with the support of the University as a whole.
I started studying with CQUniversity firstly completing the ‘bridging course’, Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) as I had not studied at all since I completed year 12 which was a long time ago. Upon completion of STEPS, it then gave me direct entry into the Bachelor of Laws degree which I started in term 2, 2012. I chose to study part-time and study over the three terms, as I do work and am a married mum with two young school-aged children. I must say that the flexibility of the university as a whole is most accommodating and supportive.
I personally have found the experience of studying with CQUniversity a very positive environment. Over the years, my confidence has grown significantly with the many lecturers that constantly push students to meet many academic challenges and additionally, encourage students to attend events that are networked based to meet not only fellow students but also professionals in the industry. I, like fellow students have faced upheavals and personal challenges that life brings and I must say that upon these times I have found nothing but compassion, kindness and understanding from both the lecturers and support staff from CQUniversity. The lecturers are only a phone call or email away, and the Moodle forums are just awesome to ask questions and engage with other students in the class. It is also great that as a student, you can go online and attend tutorial classes in the comfort of your own home, and if you can’t make it, it is always recorded so it can be listened at a time suitable for you. I can honestly say that I and my children feel that the University is like an extension to my family as it is so enriching and rewarding to be a part of the university environment.
I used to attend the Distance Education Study Centre here in Cairns when it initially opened and now I am enjoying utilising the Cairns campus facilities and all that it has to offer. I enjoy the support staff and also meeting and engaging with fellow students.
I have had the opportunity to be sent to a World Law Conference in Brisbane in 2014 for a few days that CQUniversity invited me to attend. Additionally, it has been very rewarding to be invited to many social and networking events such as breakfasts, meeting Lawyers, Judges and academics. The University continues to encourage and provide opportunities for students to attend information sessions, in particular that of what to expect upon graduating and avenues that may be of great assistance in the real world of the law profession. I have also upon the initiation of the University been allocated a very privileged person to have as my Mentor whom in my final year is not only a role model but one to ask those daunting concerns that final law students have in the back of their mind of what it is like in the ‘real world’ as a Lawyer. Furthermore, the opportunity to apply for a scholarship is also available, of which I was fortunate to be a recipient of one that has nearly been applied over my many years of studying. I suggest to just give it a go, and you never know, you may be successful – I honestly did not think I would be!
I am quite a shy person, and it is has been a personal goal of mine to overcome this shyness, so I have attended as many events as possible to gain confidence. I would never have thought years ago that I would be speaking in front of crowds of people and conferences!! I have realised that slowly, the University has been pushing not only me but other fellow students to reach their full potential and jump over those hurdles and achieve those goals that may appear impossible. I am so fortunate to have been chosen as one of the Qld Law Society Student Ambassadors and have very much appreciated the guidance and support of CQUniversity to promote the QLD Law Society and also the opportunity to meet law students from other universities in Brisbane.
Now that I am in my final year of the law degree, I am not only excited but also feel a tinge of sadness as the University has become such a big part of my life and I have made many contacts and friends. Thank you CQUniversity, for the passion, time and commitment in my academic journey and most importantly, to ‘reach for the stars’ and to ‘be what I want to be’.
For more information about CQUniversity’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS)* and Bachelor of Laws, please phone 13 27 86.
*Our STEPS team are hosting an Information Session on Friday, 27 May from 9 – 10 am (AEST) at a number of CQUniversity locations. For eligibility requirements and further information, please visit www.cqu.edu.au/steps.
