Learning about life at university was already on the radar of education student Lauren Vidler before she docked at the Mt Gravatt campus for O-Week.
The 18-year-old graduate of Calamvale Community College was suitably versed in how the education program’s foundation year works to her advantage and how Griffith’s new trimester system will benefit her student experience.
With her Bachelor of Education program shaped around trimesters, Lauren will graduate in three-and-a-half years and conclude her studies with a 6-8 week internship.
“This means my chances of gaining employment as a teacher immediately after university will be stronger,” she said.
The new Bachelor of Education also incorporates a foundation year across the first two trimesters which Lauren welcomed enthusiastically.
“It’s a chance for me to see what I like. I’m thinking secondary teaching right now, possibly maths and sport, but I don’t know for sure what I want yet. This will give me a good idea of what it’s all about.”
Balancing student life
Lauren has identified balance as a key ingredient of her life as a student, a message she took on board at Griffith University’s Future Leaders Retreat on the Gold Coast.
The retreat brought students from 40 Queensland schools together for three days of career mentoring and inspiring sessions.
The initiative was designed to help high school students prepare for the transition to university and offered exclusive career development, networking opportunities and the chance to develop leadership skills.
“The retreat was an ideal preparation for starting university life. It helped me get into the right frame of mind for the uni environment and campus life.”
As a Griffith student, Lauren will combine classrooms and study with a social life and a part-time job in a bakery.
“I like to go with the flow and fit in what I can where I can. I’m a bit of a busy body. But I also like to know what I’m doing and to be organised.”
