Maclean woman shares lessons on continuing to learn

MACLEAN woman Nancy Johnson believes having a family and a career should not be seen as reasons to stop self-development and learning.

KEEN STUDENT: Maclean woman Nancy Johnson has recently completed a Bachelor of Arts/Teaching. Photo: Adam Hourigan

MACLEAN woman Nancy Johnson believes having a family and a career should not be seen as reasons to stop self-development and learning.

Ms Johnson, who describes herself as a mature woman with several grandchildren, has worked in schools around the Clarence Valley as a learning support officer since the 1990s.

She recently completed via correspondence a double Bachelor degree, majoring in arts and teaching.

When she started her degree in 2007 there were some who thought age was a barrier, but the majority of people were supportive.

"You are never too old to achieve, unless you tell yourself you are too old," Ms Johnson said.

"Anyone can do it but you have to put in the time, effort and motivation.

"Never apologise for your age."

Ms Johnson said she had a passion for learning.

She has also completed and Associate Diploma in Arts, majoring in ceramics, for which she was awarded the NSW TAFE Commission State Medal.

"When I first started the degree it was just to learn," she said.

"I never thought I would become a teacher, I never thought I was good enough."

Now after years of working as a learning support officer, Ms Johnson can commence work as a teacher.

"The hardest part was finding the balance between work and family," Ms Johnson said.

"Sometimes I felt guilty not giving enough time to the family."

While completing her double degree, Ms Johnson would wake at 5.30am to study before going to work. She would return home about 4pm and hit the books until 10pm.

"Now that it is done, I think is it really finished?"

Originally published as Maclean woman shares lessons on continuing to learn