We have a winner! Congratulations to Renee Veldman-Tentori. You have the honor of being our very first student profile, so a $50.00 book voucher is on its way. After reading Renee's responses to the ten questions, I might say we could not have had a better candidate for the first edition of Student Spotlight. And remember, just one of the benefits of sharing your story with other students is that it may be inspiring and uplifting when circumstances conspire to derail your tertiary studies.

Q1/ What is your full name, and OUSA membership number? Renee Julia Veldman-Tentori, OUSA-09001 (Email address and phone numbers were supplied, but withheld for privacy reasons)
Q2/ Where abouts on the planet are you, and why are you there? Currently in Brisbane, Australia..I have just returned here (in December) after nearly 7 years of living overseas in the UK and The Netherlands. I began the degree while I was living in The Netherlands and chose to study through OUA as it was so flexible, meaning that I could continue my studies no matter where I was in the world!
Q3/ What course are you undertaking at Uni, and why? I'm now 2/3 towards a Bachelor of Business, double major in Marketing & Tourism. Though psychology and education were my initial fields of interest, I wasn't able to gain a degree in these through OUA, so after a lot of soul-searching and research I settled on this degree as my best option. I've ended up being pleasantly surprised as it's a very comprehensive and interesting degree and covers a lot of applied psychology and education concepts anyway.
Q4/ How long are you expecting it will take to complete your course, and why? I began in February 2005 and now have 8 units left to go. I plan to study 2 each study period for this year, so aim to finish end of SP4, 2008 (February 2009). That makes it a total of 4 years to finish my degree, which I think is not bad considering that I have also lived in 2 different countries, had a few different jobs, gotten married, learnt a new language and had a baby during that time!
Q4/ What is your eventual, expected outcome from completing your course? I would like to become a teacher or tutor so a degree is essential, and I will probably continue with further study afterwards, like a masters or PhD. My other expected outcomes I am already enjoying before my degree is even finished.. increased self confidence, quenching my thirst for new knowledge, an ever-evolving new outlook on the world and gaining general recognition for undertaking a formal, university education.
Q5/ Do you have a supportive partner or other support network, and please explain? Yes, my husband is hugely supportive and it's really because of him that I am able to do my study as he supports me both financially (so I can study from home and care for our daughter at the same time) and emotionally (when I am stressing about assignments and exams!). He often cares for our daughter in the evenings and weekends so that I can study. I also have recently moved closer to my family so my mum can care for my baby every 2nd week so I can study uninterrupted for a few hours. I also am in touch via email/msn messenger with a few other people undertaking the same degree so we can discuss experiences and keep each other motivated at times!
Q6/ Is there anything you would like to change about your online University experience? Explain. I was a little apprehensive at first wondering how I could really gain a university education without actually setting foot upon a campus (though I also made a point of visiting a campus when I was in Melbourne as well just so I could compare). I must say that the flexibility of studying online is fantastic and I am convinced I am gaining a quality education which is equal, if not better than on-campus students (the 'better' bit being because I must learn to be solely responsible for motivating and organizing myself). The only thing I would change is that I should have started sooner! And perhaps the fees, which have increased drastically over the last few years and I feel are not really justified. I also think that learning should always be fun, even if it is at university level and this sometimes gets overshadowed by some boring texts, assignment deadlines and exams.
Q7/ Who is your role model, or who do you look up to or respect? I don't have a specific role model however with a 7 month old daughter I am actually consciously trying to become one myself! I think gaining an university education, even though it can be very hard work with the demands of being a mama, mean that I am leading by example. One of my wishes for her in her life is to recognize that education is important. She is already learning so much so naturally and I hope this love of learning stays with her through her life like it has with me.
Q8/ Who would you like to spend an evening with, and why? After spending the last 7 months up at all hours every night caring for our new little girl, I'd quite like to spend an evening just alone with my husband and then have a full night of unbroken sleep!!
Q9/ If you could fix just one thing in the world, what would it be? I wish everyone could be more understanding and tolerant of differences between people ranging from religion to looks to culture.. after all, these differences are what makes life so diverse and wonderful and is not something to be feared and restricted!
Q10/ If you had a voice that would be heard, what would you say? Knowledge truly is power. Learning is something we must do to survive from the moment we are born until the day we die. I would encourage everyone to recognize this and indulge in formally learning more about what they are interested in, whether that is pursuing a PhD or just reading more about say digital photography or gardening through a magazine!

From the Editor: Thanks Renee.. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your responses, and it was a pleasure getting to know you...