Sarah Champion - Beauty Therapy

During Year 11 I knew I wanted to be a beauty therapist, and at the same time I was losing interest in school.

CIT's vocational pathway provided me with the best of both worlds - being able to complete my Year 12 Certificate while starting my Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

While studying I have been employed part-time by a five-star day spa in Canberra, and have been offered full-time work once I graduate.

The adult learning environment at CIT suits my personal learning style more than the college system in the ACT. I enjoy being treated as an adult by the CIT teachers, and I have become more confident and have developed better social skills because I am mixing with students of all ages.

The encouragement of my student adviser and my teachers in the Year 12 course and the diploma meant I was able to complete both within 18 months. And at the same time I have learned so much about my capabilities and interests that I am now considering studying for a Bachelor in Health Science and Dermal Studies at university.

I encourage others who are struggling to find personal motivation and relevance to their learning in Years 11 and 12 to carefully consider whether this type of course might be an ideal one for them too."