When Ms Helen Hines receives her three awards at the upcoming Charles Sturt University (CSU) Scholarships and Awards Ceremony in Dubbo, her eldest son will be looking on with pride.

 

Ms Hines (30) has three children aged nine, seven and four but has found time to simultaneously be a mother and a student at CSU where she is completing a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).

 

“I’ve always wanted to become a teacher but this is the third time I’ve applied for the course and now I’m actually going through with it.”

 

Ms Hines started the degree after Year 12 but after four weeks she left the course.

 

“The second time I was accepted into the course I had one young child and found out I was pregnant with my second and I knew I wouldn’t be able to take study on as well. I finally started when my third child was two knowing I had a good support system around me. It has still been challenging but I’m very organised and motivated.”

 

Born and bred in Dubbo, Ms Hines currently works part-time at two pre-schools in the area and has found the workplace support she has received also contributed to her success.

 

“Working in the industry certainly has helped me get this far and I’ve had the added benefit of using my children as test cases for my assignments.”

 

Ms Hines’ achievements have earned her an impressive list of awards, to be presented at the CSU Scholarships and Awards Ceremony.

 

She will be presented with the Rotary Club of Dubbo Scholarship valued at $1 500, two Dubbo City Councillors' Prizes for Academic Achievement in the Bachelor of Education and the Dubbo and District Pre-school award, with an overall value of more than $1 000.

 

“I was very surprised to find out that I’ll be receiving these awards,” Ms Hines said. “I’m proud of my achievements and I’m looking forward to the ceremony.” Attending the ceremony with Ms Hines will be her –close family members including her eldest son, Mitchell.