Rachel and Michalie Astill go to university together

A Gympie mum in her 50s will graduate university this year after her daughter convinced her to follow her dreams.

Rachel Astill and her daughter Michalie are studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast's Gympie campus together.

A Gympie mum in her early 50s overcame her fears and doubts to face the challenges of university alongside her teenage daughter.

Michalie Astill was 18 when she convinced her then 51-year-old mother Rachel to enroll in the University of the Sunshine Coast’s free tertiary preparations pathway program at the Gympie campus in 2019.

“I thought, ‘I’m too old for this. I can’t do this’. It took a bit of persuasion to overcome the self- doubt, but I surprised myself,” Rachel said.

Now, Rachel is about to start her career as a qualified counsellor after years of hospitality work and raising a family.

The idea came to the pair when they were discussing Michalie’s study options after school.

The teen asked her mum what she really wanted to do with her life, who responded she wanted to help people.

“It is not too late. Do TPP with me and we can get you into a degree,” Michalie said.

They signed up to the university bridging program the very next day and soon Rachel began studying for a Bachelor of Counselling and Michalie a Bachelor in Social Work.

They are now each other’s biggest fan and greatest supporter, a University of the Sunshine Coast press release stated.

“Seeing the growth in Mum that has come from studying at university is incredible,” Michalie said.

“For somebody who said they would never be able to make it through a uni degree and always only had jobs that she didn’t enjoy, I am just so proud to see her doing something that empowers her.

“She’s also empowering and inspiring those who are older to know that university is an option.

“I can’t wait to watch her walk across the stage at graduation to receive her degree and see where she ends up going with her career.”

Rachel said she had never written an essay in her life before the program but it was comforting to see a class of all ages on her first day.

Rachel Astill and her daughter Michalie are studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast's Gympie campus together.

There were hard times, but she pushed through, reminding herself university was something she enjoyed and really wanted to do.

“Michalie was always egging me on, saying, ‘You can do this, you are almost there,’” Rachel said.

“Not many mothers and daughters get to study at university together, so it has been an amazing experience for us.

“With Michalie and my husband’s support, I proved that it is never too late to get out of your comfort zone, back yourself and try something new.

“The biggest change has been my confidence in my abilities. I discovered that I really am capable.”

Rachel is completing her final placement this semester and will graduate later this year.

Originally published as Rachel and Michalie Astill go to university together