Paving a path against all odds
As a pregnant 16-year-old, the thought of one day crossing the graduation stage to receive a higher education degree was the furthest thing from Tyler Naseby’s mind.
Fast forward 13 years, and the Townsville social worker and incredibly proud mum to 12 ½ year-old son Cade has done just that.
“As my best friend held my hand waiting for the results of my pregnancy test, I was flooded with thoughts of 'what ifs', and 'how will I tell my mum',” Tyler recalled.
At the time, Tyler was in Year 11 and had surpassed her five older siblings' level of education.
“Once I had decided to keep the baby, I made a promise to my mum that I would continue my high school education and finish Year 12. While some of my siblings were not happy with my decision, I soldiered on and continued my schooling,” she said.
Supported by Mr Douglas, her deputy principal at the time, a plan was developed for Tyler so that she could complete extra subjects in Year 11 and was therefore able to take six months off in the first half of Year 12 to deliver and care for her baby.
After the time away from high school, Tyler returned “with much reluctance” because she had to put her young baby into daycare in order to complete her schooling.
“With the support and encouragement of the youth worker, Lauren, and CEC, who supported me when she didn't have to, Aunty Pam, I kept going to school,” Tyler recalled.
“Being too young to hold a licence, I pushed Cade in his pram to daycare, and then I walked to school. I did this every day, and I grew more confident pushing my precious baby while wearing a school uniform enduring the sharp eyes of the public and their judgement.”
Tyler went on to successfully complete Year 12 while being a full-time mum of a 12-month-old “who despised sleep”.
“I received my OP of 10 and was absolutely elated. I was so proud of myself – the number didn't matter to me. My family were all so proud of me and I could not have pushed through without them.”
Tyler said that throughout her schooling, there were many instances where she could have simply dropped out.
“But with support from key people at my school, I was able to have education accessible to me. This helped shape my firm belief that everyone should have access to education regardless of their adversities or complexities.”
With a yearning to go even further than a high school education, Tyler enrolled in CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Social Work.
“Initially, I had intentions of studying a Bachelor of Nursing however, I had this bizarre feeling that particular occupation choice wouldn't 'fill my cup' per se.
"My soul was always happiest when I thought about being able to help women, families and/or children. Lo and behold, I discovered Social Work!
"I felt as though Social Work had many values and beliefs that aligned with my own personal values and beliefs. My love of Social Work became more apparent with every unit I studied.”
Tyler juggled being a full-time single parent, full-time worker, and a full-time university student, describing it as “unbelievably stressful”.
“I made the decision to drop back to three days a week working so that I could continue full-time study and knock it out in four years,” she explained.
“The only reason I was able to complete my degree, and be able to attend compulsory residential schools, was with the support of my family.
“I am the first out of my siblings to graduate high school and complete tertiary education, and to be honest it feels bittersweet at times,” she said.
“Bitter, because I truly believe any of my siblings could achieve the same. I think society has made them feel they are not capable because of where education was when they were at school.
“Sweet, because it is something I will always be proud of. I hope I have shown Cade that regardless of circumstances, stereotypes and adversity, anything he puts his beautiful mind to, is without a doubt achievable. While the journey may not be traditional, easy, or 'like everyone else's', it can be done.”
Tyler is now a school-based social worker where she spreads her time across two primary schools in Townsville.
“My Social Work degree has helped me immensely. It sent me on a journey of self-discovery where I uncovered my core values and beliefs and helped me understand why they are so important to me. It also helped me understand how this influences my thinking, decision-making, and the impacts of when there is conflict with my core values and beliefs.
“I have many highlights of studying at CQU but a few of them include the friendships I made, as well as the support from my lecturers and supervisors who empowered me throughout my journey and showed me not only how to be a good advocate to others, but also to myself.”
Tyler provides a very wise piece of advice to anyone who might be – or has been – travelling down a similar path to the one she has walked:
“Always believe in yourself and don't let anyone limit your own potential, including yourself.”
Explore the Bachelor of Social Work on CQU's website here.
