ON CAMPUS
campusreview.com.au
Mature reflection
Going to university in later life.
Wendi Braid interviewed by Wade Zaglas
B
ack in the 1950s and 1960s, it was
virtually unheard of for someone
older than 23 to commence
university study – at any level. There was
a general perception that older individuals
had already ‘run their course’, and the idea
of social mobility hadn’t taken hold. Indeed,
even in the 1990s, the typical image of a
university student was someone in their
late teens, a school leaver and financially
backed by their parents.
But times have definitely changed.
In 2015, more than 180,000 university
students in Australia were aged between
30 and 39; roughly 126,000 were aged
between 40 and 59; and a substantial
10,000 were aged 60 or older. And this
trend looks set to continue.
As well as changes in societal norms,
such as more women retraining later in
their lives and the idea of lifelong learning,
these figures can be attributed to significant
university changes, including direct entry,
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flexible study options and online learning.
These changes opened the door for many
mature-age students, freeing them from
the constraints of their lives.
Campus Review spoke to one Bachelor
of Nursing student, Wendi Braid, 61, to find
out why she wanted to study later in life,
what her experience has been like so far,
and what have been her biggest challenges
and opportunities.
CR: Why did you decide to start studying at
this stage in your life?
WB: The main reason I did it was because
I had been in the beauty industry for a long
time and my mind had become dormant.
I like to be challenged, as well. I also can’t
give up work yet, so I wanted to study
something I’m passionate about.
Tell me about the first few days of university.
Did you find it daunting?
There are two other mature-age students
in our group of roughly 60. I’m fairly
confident, so the age barrier wasn’t an
issue. When I heard all of the university
terms being used though, it was like I had
walked into a thick fog. There was also so
much info to digest on information day.
But after a couple of weeks I got the hang
of it and was on Moodle. The University
of Wollongong has been amazing. They’re
there for any help or guidance you need.
One of the lecturers told me: “We love
mature-age students because they really
want to be here.”
What are the advantages and disadvantages
you face as a mature-age student compared
with school leavers?
The advantages include that I have life
experience. I can multi-task well, and I have
a stable routine. Younger students seem
to get side-tracked more easily. I can also
think outside of the square, which helps
me out a lot. In terms of disadvantages, I’m
definitely less skilled in the IT department.
The younger students do everything so
fast. They’re also better at assignments, as
they’ve just come from high school.
What advice would you give to prospective
mature-age students?
If you’re thinking about it, just do it. It’s so
empowering. Passing my first lot of exams
was such a buzz. ■