ADVERTORIAL
For most of her life, Nikky Brown never imagined she’d one day be a qualified veterinarian – let alone preparing to teach and inspire future students.
Thanks to TAFE Queensland’s Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP) program, determination, and passionate teachers’ support, Nikky turned her lifelong dream into reality.
“When I was younger, all I wanted was to be a vet, but the pressures of high school made university feel impossible.
So, I worked in real estate and retail but never felt fulfilled,” Nikky said.
A visit to a wildlife park reignited her passion for animals and pushed her to ask: How does an adult get into university?
Her research led her to TAFE Queensland’s Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (11240NAT) – a flexible and affordable pathway that allowed her to study Chemistry, Biology, Pure Maths, and English while continuing to work.
“TAFE Queensland provided the fastest and most supportive path to my dream. The enrolment was easy, the teachers were incredible, and I could structure my studies around my life,” she said.
As a mature-aged student with autism and ADHD, Nikky faced challenges, particularly with exam anxiety.
With the help of her maths teacher, Kerryn Hayman, and TAFE Queensland’s Student Support Services, she learned new strategies to overcome these barriers.
“Kerryn saw I was panicking during an exam and asked me to read the questions aloud,” Nikky said.
“That simple change made everything click – I passed and gained confidence that I’d never had before,” Nikky said.
TAFE Queensland helped Nikky rediscover a love of learning and gave her the skills and self-belief needed to thrive at university.
Nikky has since graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (First Class Honours) and is now beginning an internship at the UQ VETS Small Animal Hospital.
“Studying at TAFE Queensland was the start of it all. It showed me there’s always a way to achieve your dreams – no matter your age or background,” Nikky said.
Are you ready to leap into further tertiary study?
Set yourself apart from the crowd and gain specialised skills and knowledge required for university; visit tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233 to learn more.
