Graduate races ahead in psychology career
As a competitive BMX rider, Teneille Nesbit is no stranger to the buzz of adrenaline but said nothing compared to the excitement of walking the stage at the CQUniversity Cairns Graduation Ceremony yesterday.
At only 21-years old, the Cairns local graduated with a double degree in a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (Psychology), which she described as the cumulation of her hard work and dedication.
“A joke I often made throughout my degree was that BMX was my only break from study because I was studying all the time,” she said.
“The workload of a double degree and trying to find time to fit in all the content into my weekly schedule while trying to balance competing in BMX events was often a struggle.
“But I have been a BMX rider for 14 years and is a passion I don’t want to part with.”
In Australian BMX, Teneille is currently ranked 5th in Queensland and 6th nationally in the 17-24 Cruiser Women’s class.
Teneille said she was grateful for the flexibility and support CQU offered which helped her to succeed in both her studies and sport.
“I decided to study at CQU because the degree that I was interested in was offered online. This suited me as I wasn’t quite ready to leave my life and family in Cairns yet,” she said.
“As I enrolled straight from high school, it was difficult making the transition from learning in a classroom to learning online, but it was a challenge I adapted quickly to.”
She added that she also received a CQUniCares Student Support Scholarship which assisted with the expenses associated with undergraduate study.
“My scholarship helped me with travel expenses associated with compulsory residential schools and non-deferrable costs, such as textbooks, school supplies, and technology,” Teneille explained.
“I recently attended a residential school for my Honours program and that experience was so much fun. I got to make a lot of friends with people that share my interests.”
Teneille is currently undertaking the Honours component of her psychology degree where she is researching the impact of social media and addiction among young adults.
With a keen interest in clinical psychology, Teneille said she plans to help others as a registered clinical psychologist.
“While I would like to undertake further research, I plan on getting some experience in the psychology field,” she said.
“I hope to find employment and do some volunteer work on the side before applying for my Masters.”
