Orange resident Mr Joshua Slattery decided he wanted to change his life by pursuing a higher education, while digging a hole in 40-degree weather when he worked as a labourer.

He did not finish high school, but a TAFE program allowed Joshua to gain entry into university and he has spent more than a decade dedicated to obtaining multiple degrees and qualifications at Charles Sturt University.

Joshua most recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and was one of 90 students to graduate from Charles Sturt in Orange in early May. He was assisted during this degree with an Honours Scholarship HECS Exempt Award, valued at $4,000.

He previously completed a Bachelor of Clinical Science in 2017 and then graduated last year with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology).

Joshua was awarded a University Medal for his high scholastic achievement in 2024, which is awarded to students who have completed coursework requirements and achieved a grade point average of 6.75 or higher.

Despite graduating from university with multiple undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Joshua’s pathway into higher education did not come from outstanding marks in high school.

He did not finish high school or obtain an ATAR. He left high school in Year 11 and enrolled in TAFE. After working a few waitering and labour jobs, he decided to pursue higher education to improve his circumstances.

Joshua gained entry to university for the Bachelor of Clinical Science through TAFE’s Tertiary Preparation Certificate, which he completed in 2013.

“I enrolled in a Bachelor of Clinical Science at Charles Sturt University with the goal of entering post-graduate medical school,” he said.

“I realised half-way through Clinical Science that I definitely didn't want to be a medical doctor but had rediscovered my love of science.”

Joshua has worked at Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology since then, first as a clerk and now as a Medical Scientist due to his ongoing qualifications.

He said of all his years of study, getting into the PhD course was a highlight.

“Honours has taught me an enormous amount about research and changed my career trajectory completely,” he said.

“I’m now continuing my Honours project on CRISPR diagnostics into my PhD. I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to study and research such a fascinating area.

“My mother fostered a love of science in me from an early age and would happily answer my thousand questions about the world … I hope I can do the same for my children.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a scientist or an author. I didn’t realise that a scientist is an author.”

Joshua is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy and has received an Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Scholarship while completing his PhD.

“Both scholarships have been instrumental in allowing me to pursue a Higher Degree by Research,” he said.

“Whilst studying my Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology), I was studying full-time by distance whilst working four days a week, plus on-call.

“I managed to keep up this workload for three years, but reached my limit, especially with my son Marty being born in early 2022.

“The scholarships have allowed me to focus on my education and family, much to everyone’s relief.”

Joshua currently lives in Orange with his fiancée Clare and their three-year-old son Marty. The couple are also expecting a baby in October. Joshua’s current goal is to finish his PhD and move into research.