Tamara’s Journey

Finding Strength, Support, and Success at Young Parents College

When Tamara first found out she was going to be a mum, she was overwhelmed by one thing — the unknown. “I didn’t know what lay ahead,” she recalls. “That was the hardest part.”

At just 19 years old, Tamara was preparing to welcome her baby boy, Mordecai, into the world. While her family was supportive, it was her best friend — despite living in another state — who became her greatest source of strength throughout her pregnancy.

Looking back now, Tamara talks about her son. “He’s been my biggest blessing in life.”

A New Beginning at Young Parents College

Life as a young mum wasn’t easy, but Tamara knew she wanted to create the best possible future for her son. “I believe the best way to teach your kids is by living the example you hope they follow,” she says. “For me, part of that meant finishing my education — so I enrolled at Young Parents College (YPC).”

Walking through the doors of YPC felt different from other schools. “There was this sense of understanding,” Tamara explains. “Everyone just gets it here.” She quickly found that YPC wasn’t just a place to study — it was a place where she felt supported, valued, and encouraged to succeed.

Balancing School and Motherhood

Being a parent and a student brought its fair share of challenges. “Trying to catch up on schoolwork with a toddler running around pressing buttons on my laptop — that’s been tough!” she laughs. But with support from YPC, Tamara found her rhythm.

“They’ve made it possible to balance everything,” she says. “The daycare next door, flexible learning options, and even school pick-up services — all those things make a huge difference.”

She also discovered that simple routines could help her stay on top of things. “I set out our bags, clothes, and shoes the night before,” she says. “It’s a small thing, but it makes mornings so much easier.”

Mordecai’s Adventures at Narnia Childcare

Having Narnia Early Learning right next door has been a huge blessing for Tamara and Mordecai. “Drop-off and pick-up are so easy,” she says. “And if I need to check in on him during the day, I can just pop over.”

Mordecai has flourished at Narnia, especially when it comes to creative play. “He loves his crafts and music,” Tamara shares. “And when the fire truck visited recently, he couldn’t stop talking about it!”

Pushing Through the Tough Days

Going back to school wasn’t always smooth sailing. “Getting into a routine was hard — not just for me, but for Mordecai too,” Tamara admits. “But I just kept showing up, even when it was tough.” That persistence paid off. “In my second year, I became a school leader,” she says proudly. “I never thought I’d achieve something like that.”

Dreams for the Future

Graduation is on the horizon for Tamara, and she’s excited about what’s next. “I’d love to get my certificates in Cleaning or Mental Health/Disability Work,” she says. “And I’m saving for a car — something that will make life easier and give Mordecai and me more opportunities for adventures.”

Tamara credits YPC with helping her believe those goals are possible. “They make you realise you can achieve so much more than you thought,” she says.

Finding Community and Connection

Perhaps one of the most powerful parts of Tamara’s journey has been the friendships she’s built. “Being around other young parents has been amazing,” she says. “You realise you’re not the only one facing these challenges. Everyone just understands.”

The staff have been just as impactful. “I’ve built really strong relationships with them,” she adds. “They’re always there, ready to listen and support you.”

Words of Wisdom

For other young parents thinking about returning to school, Tamara’s advice is clear: “Go for it. I’ve never enjoyed school before, but coming here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

And to new parents feeling overwhelmed, her message is simple yet powerful: “You are not alone. Things will get better — you just need to be patient.”

Tamara’s story is a testament to courage, persistence, and the power of a supportive community. At YPC, students like Tamara are not only learning — they’re creating brighter futures for themselves and their children.