For many students, choosing to enrol and juggling study can be challenging.
Completing a Certificate III in Information Technology (ICT30120) doesn’t rank anywhere near the hardest things Geoff Doughty has faced in his life – but it has been one of the most rewarding.
Having been born with scoliosis and cerebral palsy in 1964, battled cancer three times, suffered a stroke and dealt with injuries from multiple motor vehicle accidents – as well as fought great personal tragedy with the loss of his wife Lisa – Geoff knows a fair bit about hardship and suffering.
But it hasn’t affected his outlook on life.
“I always say there’s somebody always worse off than I am, I’m lucky,” he said.
“And that’s what keeps me going each day.”
Health challenges throughout his early years affected his schooling – with long hospital stays and recovery periods setting him back.
It made Geoff even more determined to pursue education later in life – which is where he found GOTAFE.
“It just caught my eye, and I just wanted to learn a bit more on the computer,” Geoff said.
“My nephew said to me… ‘Why are you studying? You’re too old’ and I said ‘no, you’ve got to learn something every day.”
Geoff uses his newfound digital skills to help those he can in the community, volunteering locally and advocating fiercely for people with disability.
He is also exploring more study options, with his mind set on a Certificate IV with GOTAFE later in the year.
“I’ve been using what I’ve been taught volunteering and helping people out,” he said.
“I want to do it (study) again, I’ve got to know some of the teachers, it’s just so good, I loved it.”
GOTAFE is holding a series of Open Day events in Shepparton (Sunday 10 August), Wangaratta (Sunday 24 August) and Seymour (Wednesday 3 September).
Visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/whats-on/open-days-2025 to register.
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