AS A single mother with three teenage children, mature-aged student Linda Bell has faced her fair share of adversities, but she refuses to let life get her down.
This never-give-up attitude resulted in Linda being awarded the 2014 Zonta TAFE Student Bursary, worth $750, at a presentation dinner last week.
Linda gratefully accepted the award and a yellow Zonta rose, informing guests and members that the funds would go a long way in securing an internet connection to assist her whole family with their studies.
Linda said she found it daunting to return to study but realised she needed new skills to fulfil her career goals.
She enrolled and graduated from a certificate III in community services at the Port Macquarie TAFE, where she discovered she could continue competency based subjects with North Coast TAFE alongside theoretical components at Charles Sturt University which will earn her an undergraduate degree upon completion.
“TAFE has provided invaluable support, which has really built my confidence and self-esteem.
“I thoroughly enjoy their hands-on approach and getting to participate in the practical industry components, which reinforced social work as the right fit for me,” Linda said.
“I feel I can have a positive effect on the lives of people less fortunate than myself by working in the human services/social work field.
“I want to help empower them to overcome their struggles and embrace life, just as I have, because I know first-hand how it feels to be homeless and alone.
“My motivation is to turn a very negative event in my life into a positive one for myself and others.”
Linda’s goals include completing a degree in social work and encouraging her children to follow their dreams.
