Teal’s Story

We all recognise at North Lake that there are many stories and many pathways. When mature-aged student Teal Dingsdale came to North Lake she was on an ATAR pathway. She was also someone who wanted to be involved so she joined the student council and helped with campus events.

Two events far removed from the classroom added unexpected but welcome hurdles in what Teal thought would be a pathway to university. The first was the 2016 Campus Ball. Management at the East Fremantle Sailing Club were so impressed by Teal’s part in organising the ball that they offered her a traineeship.

Planning events was not new to Teal who would always put her hand up when things needed to be done for private parties and charity fundraisers. “I often dream of having my own business as an event co-ordinator,” she said. “I love seeing people get joy from something I’ve planned – I like dress ups the best.”

Then came another surprise. Teal learned she was pregnant just before the Year 12 mock exams. “My hubby and I had been trying for so long,” she said, “We really thought it wasn’t going to happen.”

While Teal won’t be taking up the traineeship she hasn’t given up her dream. Next year she’ll begin working on a Cert lV in Music Business specialising in events management with help from Dean at North Lake. She has already spoken to other potential mature-aged students about the possibilities offered by North Lake. “North Lake is so open to all people. There are so many pathways and the staff help you figure out where you want to go and how to get there,” said Teal.

At the 2016 Valedictory, Teal won the Design Graphics subject award and the special North Lake Endeavour Award – she is another North Lake success story.

“North Lake is so open to all people. There are so many pathways and the staff help you figure out where you want to go and how to get there.”