And her career goal was given a huge boost recently when she received the Pathways Scholarship at the Hunter TAFE Foundation ceremony.

The foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that works with business, education and community leaders to support Hunter TAFE students experiencing either personal or financial hardship.

Ms Jennison, a mother-of-three, left school at the age of 14 – two weeks into year 10.

Having overcome difficult times, she decided to re-commit to her education last year at the age of 29.

“I wanted to be a better role model for my kids,” she said.

Ms Jennison completed the Certificate II in Skills for Work and training and Certificate III in Employment and Training last year, and is currently enrolled in the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at the Cessnock campus.

Her next step towards becoming a child protection case worker will be enrolling in the Community Services course.

She said receiving the scholarship has given her a big boost.

“It’s blown me out of the water, I was so happy and surprised,” she said.

“It’s encouraged me to try even harder.”

Ms Jennison was one of 20 Hunter TAFE students to receive a scholarship at the ceremony at Hunter Valley Hotel Academy on April 20.