Kathryn Martin
Project Coordinator, UNE Taree
Tell us about you
I was raised in Taree and left 30 years ago to study psychology. It was against every message I was receiving from my family, so it wasn’t easy, but I loved learning.
I began my career in welfare and community services roles and have devoted much of my professional life to what I call ‘family work’. Interspersed with that, I got a teaching qualification and did some teaching, focusing on helping people with equity challenges and to overcome barriers to education.
I returned home just before the Taree floods last year, and this perfect role came up.
What does your role involve?
As well as helping to keep the building comfortable and functioning, I provide direct student support. That may be an orientation session, one-on-one or enrolment support, help booking a room for an exam, selecting units or even finding the camera on their computer. We celebrate student achievements on our noticeboard and have just launched a social club to run activities.
We try to engage with students throughout their study journey and encourage them to reach out when they are struggling. That’s when the wellbeing conversations happen.
Being open to the public, we also welcome people inquiring about future study and what UNE offers.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I love working with the students. Most of the regular UNE Taree users are in their 30s and 40s balancing family, work and study. Many are first-in-family to study at uni. They come with their own goals, motivations and challenges, and being able to support them to keep working towards those goals is a real sweet spot for me.
There are still people in our community who don’t actively encourage university study. I know a handful of students who don’t tell their families that they’re studying, for fear of negative reactions. I tell them that I’ll be their cheer squad.
I know what it’s like to have no-one cheering you on. I was the first in my family to study at university and I was very unprepared. I see it as my job to support the students who have the naysayers in their life, to encourage them to keep going, and often you develop quite personal relationships along the way.
And what difference can those interactions make?
By providing students with a space to call their own, we hope they will find a real sense of belonging. It can be the difference between a student remaining engaged and dropping out. This centre – with its computers, reliable Internet and printers and support – makes the learning accessible and possible.
What does UNE Taree comprise?
It’s not a large space. We occupy two shopfronts equipped with 11 computers and a printer, three private study rooms that students can book for exams, a kitchenette with a pantry and bathroom. It’s a place where students can focus on the learning tasks that are most urgent to them, away from the inevitable distractions of home and work.
UNE Taree is about to celebrate 25 years. How would you describe the vibe at the centre?
It’s an inclusive and encouraging space. Because it’s small, the students who come in regularly get to know each other and we get to know them and their stories. I try to connect students who I think can learn from one another’s experiences and the beauty of our smaller centre is that it allows that to happen. It’s not just the staff who are here to support the students, but their peers as well.
The first games night organised by our new social club was very successful. Students brought their kids and it was a lovely mixed group. We are quick to respond to any things students identify they need.
What gives you the greatest buzz?
Seeing the change in students as they learn and grow and hit their goals. I love having them brag to me when they get a good result. It doesn’t matter how it compares to anybody else; just that they have worked hard and achieved what they were aiming for.
Most of our current students want to remain in this region. And keeping those new professionals in Taree will be good for everyone. When they stay, they help to maintain the services we need. At UNE Taree we are committed to growing the appreciation for what university study can offer not only the individual but also their family and community.
