Journey to shaping young minds

By Rob Fabiny

For Stephanie Cowper - a dedicated mother, wife, and aspiring teacher - living in the rural town of Greenvale presents unique challenges. 

Yet, thanks to her determination and the support of a CQUniCares Connellan Airways Trust Scholarship, she's one step closer to her dream of shaping young minds in rural Australia.

Stephanie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) with CQUniversity while actively participating in the education of her own children through the Charters Towers School of Distance Education. 

Stephanie lives 207 km away from Charters Towers runs a digital media business and homeschools her children - all while navigating the complexities of rural living.

"Living in a rural area entails financial challenges, with limited access to essential services, the absence of face-to-face university lectures, and the need to travel long distances for basic amenities,” Stephanie explained. 

Despite these obstacles, Stephanie remains deeply involved in her community - she volunteers as a lifesaver at the local pool and works for the Queensland Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) as the Publicity Officer.

Through the support of her Connellan Airways Trust Scholarship, Stephanie has been provided with much-needed financial relief, easing the burden of acquiring essential educational materials and technology, which are often more expensive in rural areas.

The scholarship has also helped with the high costs of services like Starlink for internet access, the long-distance travel required for basic needs, and accommodation required for professional experience placement.

Stephanie said her ultimate goal was to become a teacher in a rural school, where she can directly address the shortage of educators in those areas. 

Drawing from her own experiences, she said she was passionate about tailoring the curriculum to suit the rural lifestyle of children, many of who grow up on stations far removed from urban life.

"One of my paramount goals as a future teacher is to tailor the curriculum to suit the rural lifestyle of children, particularly those living in areas far removed from metropolitan and regional centres - a population predominantly growing up on stations,” she said.

“I envision engaging teaching methods that go beyond traditional classroom settings, integrating hands-on experiences and community collaboration – addressing the needs of students in these locations.” 

Stephanie's journey exemplifies the resilience and dedication required to pursue higher education in rural Australia, and with the continued support of CQUniversity and the Connellan Airways Trust, she is well on her way to making a lasting impact on the future of rural education.

CQUniversity is grateful to partner with the Connellan Airways Trust who share the University's passion for making a difference in the lives of its remote students', their families and our communities.