In the mid-1990s, USQ alumna Lydia Sesinyi was living and working as a trainee teacher in her home country of Botswana. One day, Lydia came across an advert in her local newspaper for Distance Learning Programs at USQ.
Having always dreamed of building a career centred on working with and helping people, Lydia applied and was accepted to study a Bachelor of Education with USQ.
With support from the Republic of Botswana, Lydia was able to move to Toowoomba for her final year of study in 1998 and lived in a town house near the University, enjoying the lifestyle and building a friendship with fellow student Monica, which has lasted over the years.
“I started my career in Botswana as a Teacher Trainee in Secondary Education,” she said.
“I then graduated with a Diploma in Secondary Education and I received a Merit award after completion, which put me in an advantage to get a further scholarship to do the degree program in Australia.
“At first, it was difficult studying from Botswana as I was also working. I was teaching in one of the rural areas, and technology at the time in terms of internet was a problem.”
After completing her degree in 1999, Lydia moved back to Botswana. Armed with her new degree she taught in three secondary schools, making a difference by giving back what she has learned and experienced.
With a desire to further her self-development, Lydia’s passion, decorum, prior studies and transferable skills got her in the door at a local company where she worked in a human resources graduate training program over three years to become a fully qualified human resources practitioner in Botswana.
Now a Human Resources Manager, Lydia recently paid a visit to the USQ Toowoomba campus with her husband and two sons. She is considering the next steps to furthering her career with post-graduate study nearly two decades after completing her bachelor degree.
Lydia’s son Tumelo, age 17, is looking to follow in his mother’s footsteps and is also considering furthering his studies with USQ’s Bachelor of Business and Commerce.
When asked what advice she would give to those looking to take a chance and further their education, Lydia says to remember the sky is the limit.
“USQ is so far one of the best distance learning institutions in the world. I recommended a lot of people from Botswana to enrol for MBAs, degree programs, master programs etc.”
“I am intending to enrol for a Master of Business Administration (Human Resources) at the University of Southern Queensland to further my career and qualifications.
“I loved my time at USQ and have never forgotten it.”
If you enjoyed your time with USQ and have a story or two to share, please let us know by sending an email to alumni@unisq.edu.au.