Breaking Down Barriers: Student achieves remarkable success as a First-in-Family Graduate with a 6.1/7 GPA

Student Success Story: Lauren Pendlington Graduates in Bachelor of Psychological Science through help of CUC Bass Coast

Bass Coast CUC Student Lauren Pendlington recently graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science achieving a 6.1/7 GPA and plans on completing her honours this year at Charles Darwin University. 

Lauren identified being the first-in-family to attend university, and highlights the barriers she had to overcome:

“Being first in family meant I didn’t have anyone who could fully relate to the decision I was making to study, or to empathise with me and understand what it was like to undertake university level study. Neither of my parents finished high school. Neither myself nor my two younger brothers finished high school. I never thought any of us would attend university – there was just never any influence in the family to do so.” 

Lauren also discusses her future goal, which is focused on her community: 

“I want to be able to improve the mental health outcomes in my community and to work in health policy to ensure consumers in regional areas are comprehensively supported!” 

Lauren’s story showcases the importance of attending a regional study hubs connecting students to tertiary education while keeping them within their community and hometown.  

If you'd like to read more about Lauren's story, click here.