Lynette Vey's lifelong goal has been to educate and impact the lives of her students. As a four-time UC graduate, Lynette has nearly 30 years' experience as an educator. For her dedication and excellence in teaching, she was awarded the Teachers' Excellence Award in Singapore and was promoted to the Associate Member of Ministry of Education.

Over the years, she has worked with a number of organisations, including as a Head Teacher of English for five years in ACT, QLD and NSW, Head Teacher of SOSE (HSIE) for two years in ACT, Sessional Lecturer at ACU, and a member of Australian College of Educators (MACE).

As the winner of several awards and scholarships, Lynette was able to make returning to UC to complete her education degrees a realistic goal. "Winning the Australian Postgraduate Award enabled me to further my studies in teaching and learning.

This has been followed by offers to give workshops and present papers at the international level," Lynette says. She has several publications under her belt, including A Learning Environment for a Sustainable Future which was presented at the APEID UNESCO Conference, and she has been invited to present at again in 2015. In addition to her amazing teaching career, Lynette develops and designs websites for clients.

Returning to UC on four different occasions presented unique obstacles for Lynette, including acclimating herself to life as a student again and balancing study and work. "Never give up despite being overwhelmed - the support groups and staff at UC are always there for you," Lynette recalls. "As a mature age student, the respect I received and becoming the 'go to person' and mentor was a great honour and a privilege not afforded to many."

Since graduating with her Doctor of Education in 2006, Lynette has been working as a teacher for the Department of Education New South Wales as an English and History at Cootamundra High School.

Her passion for education lives deep within Lynette, driving her desire for teaching and learning every day. Taking on four degrees wasn't just for Lynette's own personal and professional improvement – it was an invaluable way of passing the benefits onto her students.