Alexandra Hayes Hatten overcomes dyslexia through TAFE, Sunshine Coast

A young dyslexic Sunshine Coast woman has shared how despite having no confidence because of her struggles at school she’s now thriving in her studies and pursuing her dream career.

Alexandra Hayes-Hatten. Picture - contributed.

A young dyslexic Sunshine Coast woman has shared how despite having no confidence because of her struggles at school she’s now thriving in her studies and pursuing her dream career.

Alexandra Hayes Hatten, of Cooloolabin, has been recognised for her outstanding dedication to her studies and her industry, with the 24-year-old taking out the title of Vocational Student of the Year in the Queensland Training Awards North Coast regional final.

Ms Hatten said she never thought she’d be where she is today – after a lifetime of struggling with dyslexia.

The high achiever first began her journey in vocational education and training in 2022.

“I was working in pest management, but I’ve always loved native Australian flowers and wanted to break into conservation. So when I saw the ECOllaboration’s Facebook ad for the program, I applied and got the position,” she said.

“I had an amazing supervisor who was deeply passionate about conservation, and she inspired me to follow a similar path. And now I’m supervising the same program I started in – it’s a real full circle moment.”

Keen to continue developing her knowledge and skills, Ms Hatten enrolled in the Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, balancing her studies with work as a bush regenerator at ECOllaboration five days a week.

“I really enjoyed being around like-minded people that wanted to pursue local conservation and learn about flora and fauna, as well as the industry connections we were able to make during the course,” she said.

“It really helped me develop the skills I needed to be able to do what I’d doing now.”

Alexandra Hayes-Hatten. Picture – contributed.

Ms Hatten said her career had proved “you can overcome barriers that you think may hold you back”.

“I want to be a role model and leader for others who may be feeling lost, and show them what they can do if they set their mind to it.

“Reading, writing and numbers are extremely difficult for me – doing anything academic or any applications is hard. At school I found assignments hard too.”

Ms Hatten said she was able to get through the study component with the support of her peers and colleagues.

“It can be a disadvantage. Especially when I’m putting my heart and soul into my work and can’t transfer that across with my writing.

“It’s affected my confidence badly too.”

The young botanist-to-be said she was incredibly excited her career ahead.

“I worked really hard for this,” she said.

“I’d like to be a botanist and plan to apply to study botany at university next year.

“I just love plants and all things conservation. I run a botany group for young people but I don’t think many are actually super aware of the importance of our environment and sustainability.

“I love what I do. Having an on-ground impact and restoring the environment is so empowering. To clear weeds that are one day choking a tree, then come back in the years after to see birds living in it – it’s really fulfilling.”