AS Candace Cord battled through her diploma, there were times reaching the finish line seemed impossible.
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But the proud Wiradjuri woman’s determination reaped more than a certificate at graduation.
It put her in the running to receive top honours at the region’s NSW Training Awards. But it was a distinction Ms Cord never thought she would receive.
“I just thought there were so many amazing people doing things for their community throughout the Riverina,” Ms Cord said.
“I thought I was just happy to be a finalist, but I didn’t think I would win the award.”
So it was a shock for the former Young TAFE campus student, when her name was read at a ceremony recently, and she was named the state’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for the Riverina-Murray.
Ms Cord will now compete at the NSW Training Awards finals in Sydney in September.
It followed her win at this year’s TAFE NSW Riverina Excellence Awards.
Swept up in a wave of congratulations from family, friends and strangers, Ms Cord said she was overwhelmed with gratitude.
“It feels really good to make the elders proud too,” she said.
“They know you’re doing what you can for your community in a positive way.”
For two years, Ms Cord juggled family and study commitments and navigated “major obstacles”, before graduating with a diploma in Aboriginal studies last year.
“I was pregnant at the time and I had a difficult pregnancy and then a new baby came into our care,” she said.
“We were quite busy and had quite a hectic year.”
The 35-year-old said it was the support of her teachers and loved ones that spurred her toward the goal.
Above all else, Ms Cord said her study had been a personal journey.
“I always wanted to know as much about my culture as possible,” she said.
“When I found out about the course, I just thought I had to do it.”
Ms Cord was kept on her toes by her four children and two foster children whilst completing her studies.
“As a parent and carer, finding the time to study was difficult, but I found that breaking my workload down into smaller- more easily achievable goals, worked best for me,” she said.
“I think determination was definitely a contributing factor which got me through my study; I would describe myself as a determined person."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said regional winners would be considered for selection to compete at the NSW Training Awards in September.
“The training awards pay tribute to our apprentices, students, trainees, educators and training providers from all over the state,” he said.
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