A little stunned!

[Stardrifter_WA]

I am a little stunned at the moment.

You see, I have been studying for the last three years and I am now finished. I can't quite believe that I made it all the way through to the end to complete my third Diploma.

Furthermore, today, I received a special Certificate of Achievement" award for "performing consistently to an excellent standard throughout the course."

This may not seem that remarkable, but, half way through the course I had a major stroke, which left me feeling very tired and depressed. If someone had asked me then if I would finish my studies, it would have been a clear no. Fast forward 18 months and two operations and rehab (not related to the stroke), and a part-time job later, I pulled off what I thought, at times, to be a "Sisyphean task".

I am a little stunned as to how I pulled this off and as to how I still maintained a high standard.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Congratulations, Peter. A great achievement considering the adversities you faced.

[Matt Wastell (Matt)]

Good stuff Peter! You should feel stunned and pleased!

[MortonH]

Peter, a great story of perseverance paying off. Hope the clouds clear soon so you can get some time with your new scope and eyepiece. It all makes sense under the stars!

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Congratulations

[AstralTraveller (David)]

A Good News Story! Give yourself a pat on the back.

[blink138 (Pat)]

ha ha nice one peter!
pat

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Thats an awesome story, congratulations.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Thank you everyone.

The last six months were the hardest as I virtually had no motivation and wanted to just give up, almost on a weekly basis. Somehow, and I am really not sure how, I managed find the resolve to finish it.

I really am so surprised I got through, as the last two units were heavy going and quite hard, given the circumstances.

Cheers Peter

[erick (Eric)]

You're the Man, Peter Congratulations!

[pmrid (Peter)]

Terrific achievement Peter. I'm sure it will encurage others to get off their butts - me included.
Peter

[rogerg (Roger)]

Congratulations Mind if I ask what you were studying?

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by rogerg

Congratulations Mind if I ask what you were studying?

Hi Roger,

I was studying for the Diploma of Library and Information Services (Library Technician). I chose to do this course to update my skills, and because many of the skills are cross transferable. It was a two year course, but took me a further year to finish due to having a severe stroke.

I was made redundant during the 2008 GFC and as there wasn't much work around, and it didn't look like improving for some time, I usually undertake study to fill in gaps in my employment record. I have done this twice before for a Dip Management and the Dip Human Resources Management (which I completed whilst I was in hospital for six months after an MVA). I also have a trade (fitter and machinist).

And my teachers at high school said I wouldn't amount to much!

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Congratulation Peter on sticking with it.

[rogerg (Roger)]

Great to hear Peter.

The employment market in WA is looking gloomy for many people I know at the moment as companies slim their workforce or move out of the expensive state, and as such I know a couple of people who are taking up diplomas and such in expectation that they will be made redundant in the near future. Sounds much like your situation.

Regards,
Roger.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by rogerg

Great to hear Peter.

The employment market in WA is looking gloomy for many people I know at the moment as companies slim their workforce or move out of the expensive state, and as such I know a couple of people who are taking up diplomas and such in expectation that they will be made redundant in the near future. Sounds much like your situation.

Regards,
Roger.

Yes Roger, it is looking a bit gloomy here. In fact, it hasn't been all that good since the GFC. Frankly, mining boom aside, it is the worst I have seen it, in as much as it is the first time in my life I haven't been able to find a full-time job. There has been few full time jobs being advised, at least, none that I could apply for. If I could go back to my trade as a machinist, I could easily get a well paid job, but alas, I can't because of my injuries from an MVA. The resources companies are screaming for trades people though.

However, I have a great part time job tutoring and supporting students with disabilities who are doing trade studies. It is a very rewarding job and utilises all my skills.

Cheers Peter

[venus (Lydia)]

Congrats good work!