Laurel Joiner took learning from home in her stride well before the whole country turned their living room into a classroom.
As a far East Gippsland resident, Laurel studied Certificate II in Agriculture via blended delivery. Communication via email, phone or Zoom was part of a normal routine. Her highly developed communication skills enabled her to participate well in group discussions during video conferences and online forums.
Laurel’s dedication to successfully completing her studies saw her travel to West Gippsland to attend practical days, including arranging her own accommodation and transport to make it possible. It was in these sessions where her ability to work with others shone bright when faced with tasks including fencing and water system maintenance.
She thoroughly enjoyed her course and being able to participate from a great distance was both personally and professionally rewarding. Laurel happily shares her experiences and advocates the course with others, particularly through her local community groups and equine activities. She will no doubt achieve any goals she sets her mind to.
Laurel is a mature, confident and well-spoken young lady and therefore is an admirable recipient of the Vocational Student of the Year Award 2020 for Food, Fibre, Conservations and Animal Studies.