Having been diagnosed with dyslexia when she was six, Elizabeth Schahinger never believed she would go to university.
She didn’t think she was smart enough. In fact, that’s what she wrote down on a piece of paper once when asked what was stopping her from going to uni.
This was her genuine, but misguided, belief at the time – one that had been reinforced through the difficulties she had faced at school.
“When I read a question in an exam, it often doesn't comprehend straight away – it takes a while,” Elizabeth said.
“It's frustrating, because I can spend 10 minutes reading one question before it connects with me. That’s 10 minutes out of a 30-minute exam.”
As a consequence, Elizabeth went straight into the workforce from school. But it was clear she possessed a lot of natural talent when it came to working with people. Clear, at least, to everyone around her.
A friend encouraged her to take another look at uni, which led her to joining the UniSC Equip program – a free, government-funded program for adults who are considering TAFE or university.
The program is specifically focused on supporting people who may have experienced disadvantage or who are from underrepresented groups in higher education.
But even once she was in the program Elizabeth had her doubts, and expressed her concern to her fellow participants.
“I know I can verbalise anything,” Elizabeth said.
“But when it comes to writing it down, pen to paper, it's the complete opposite.”
Equip program coordinator Alissa Candy disagreed with that assessment and called Elizabeth a couple of weeks later to encourage her to pursue study some more.
“That was the game changer. You can have family, friends and colleagues tell you that you can do something, but I needed to hear it from a professional standpoint,” Elizabeth said.
Alissa’s own passion for the program is clear.
“I love seeing the Equip program participants transform over time from being very fearful or overwhelmed when thinking about studying, to feeling very confident, informed and excited. It's very, very rewarding” Alissa said.
“I would encourage anyone who is looking at studying, but isn't 100 percent sure they can do it, to please come and talk to us – because we can help.
“You are intelligent enough. You can do this. And it’s something that can be life changing.”
Elizabeth, for her part, agrees. She’s now one year into studying Occupational Therapy, where she has excelled.
“I will always have that voice in the back of my head saying I'm not smart enough. But I've been averaging distinctions,” Elizabeth said.
It’s the product of hard work and determination. But Elizabeth also credits her results to the support she’s received during her study – particularly from the AccessAbility team – who help devise learning access plans to ensure students from all abilities and backgrounds have fair access to university education.
“For me it’s been one of the biggest shocks about uni – just how much support’s available,” Elizabeth said.
“Right from the start I was set up with learning advisors, and it’s helped keep me on track and accountable for the goals I set.
“It really comes in handy for someone like me with a chaotic brain.”
