• Charles Sturt scholarship recipient prepares to start career as an English teacher in Bathurst

Charles Sturt University scholarship recipient and recent graduate Ms Isabella Jacobson has secured employment as an English teacher in Bathurst.

Ms Jacobson grew up in Cowra, completed her final two years of high school in Bathurst and then completed a Bachelor of Education (K-12) with Distinction at Charles Sturt in Bathurst in December 2020.

Facing financial hardship, she noticed the array of scholarships on offer on the Charles Sturt website.

To alleviate some of the financial pressure, Ms Jacobson applied and was the recipient of the White Family Prize, a one-off payment for students in Bathurst in their third year of study.

“It was difficult juggling part-time work, study and family commitments, so receiving the scholarship in my third year allowed me to focus on my studies,” she said.

Ms Jacobson has always had a passion for teaching and learning and said Charles Sturt was a logical choice when considering further study after high school.

“Charles Sturt University is renowned for its teaching program as well as its high percentage of graduates who gain employment straight out of university,” she said.

“The teaching staff are incredible and endeavour to create a positive learning experience for their students.

“I believe the course provided me with many practical skills that are extremely useful for my career … as I gained strategies that were useful for behaviour management, time management and professionalism.”

Ms Jacobson will soon start a full-time position at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst as an English teacher and said she is grateful to have obtained this role straight after graduation.

“There is a demand for English teachers and I am very grateful to obtain a job in the industry that I have studied for straight out of university,” she said.

She said university is about challenging yourself and learning valuable skills, such as perseverance, dedication, and time management.

“Studying is not just to obtain a degree to start working in a specific field,” she said.

“Have an end goal and set small goals that are slightly challenging, yet realistic, which will help you reach that goal.”

Ms Jacobson added that students should not be scared to ask for help.

“Whether it’s your studies or your finances don’t try and solve all your problems by yourself," she said.

A full list of scholarships are available on the Charles Sturt website and the next round of applications close on Monday 8 February.