Jacob Brassington named Student of the Year at TAFE graduation

A Fraser Coast nursing graduate who failed a test in his first term, has opened up on how his remarkable journey hash has ended with a top award.

The ceremony was a particularly proud moment for 20-year-old Diploma of Nursing student Jacob Brassington, who was awarded the 2023 Fraser Coast Student of the Year for his dedication to his studies.

A nursing student has been awarded the title Fraser Coast Student of the Year at a graduation ceremony held this week, sharing how he had failed a test in his first term before turning things around.

More than 60 students have celebrated graduating from TAFE Queensland’s Fraser Coast campuses this week.

The students, with qualifications ranging from nursing and early childhood education and care to automotive and beauty, celebrated their achievement at the Beach House Hotel on December 6, marking the culmination of all their hard work, and the beginning of their new careers.

The ceremony was a particularly proud moment for 20-year-old Diploma of Nursing student Jacob Brassington, who was awarded the 2023 Fraser Coast Student of the Year for his dedication to his studies.

Mr Brassington said it wasn’t until he was on the stage and looking at his family and teachers that he was able to appreciate how much he had achieved and how far he had come.

“It was a pretty emotional moment – my nana, grandad and mum were all there and crying – but for me, I was just so happy to be able to share this with them because they’ve been so supportive throughout my studies,” he said.

Teen flung from car, two trapped in horror crash

The ceremony was a particularly proud moment for 20-year-old Diploma of Nursing student Jacob Brassington, who was awarded the 2023 Fraser Coast Student of the Year for his dedication to his studies.

Surrounded by role models in the business of helping people, Mr Brassington said he was particularly inspired by his grandparents, psychotherapists based in Hervey Bay, who have always been extremely supportive of him.

At just 18-years-old, he packed up his life in Canberra, leaving behind his family and friends, and moved in with his grandparents with the goal of kickstarting his own career caring for others and one day working in mental health nursing.

Mr Brassington said it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made, and he can’t wait to start putting his skills into practice.

“I’ve always been a caring person, and I had great grandparents and teachers who recognised that and supported me in that direction,” Mr Brassington said.

Bookings ballot carried out as caravan park redevelopment continues

“I initially had a setback in my first term when my nerves got the best of me and I failed my practical skills test, but I decided to look at that as an opportunity to grow, and I’m proud that I persisted.

“Starting out so young, I found it all a bit daunting at first, but I wanted to prove to myself I could do it, and during the course I got to really find myself and build my confidence and strength.

“I’d now like to work as an enrolled nurse for at least a year to gain more practical experience before doing a Bachelor part-time, and obtaining my Masters in mental health nursing.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager for the East Coast region Mark Reilly said the ceremony was an opportunity for students who had completed their studies in 2023 to reflect on their accomplishments.

“Graduation is about celebrating not only everything our graduates have achieved throughout the duration of their studies, but all the doors that they have opened by investing in their future,” Mr Reilly said.

Enrolments are now open for 2023.

Originally published as Jacob Brassington named Student of the Year at TAFE graduation