Lifelong Learning: Mandy Walker's Journey

During Adult Learners Week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mandy Walker, the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Western Australia State Winner. Mandy is not only a local business owner and advocate, but also a dedicated student at Lumen’s Wongan Hills University Study Hub. Here’s her inspiring story of lifelong learning and growth.

Born and raised in the small town of Mount Barker, Mandy completed her schooling in a close-knit community. Like many from rural areas, she faced the challenge of limited career exposure, often feeling her choices were confined to teaching or nursing. Despite uncertainty about her future, Mandy secured a place at Murdoch University. However, it didn’t take long for her to realise that her initial path in secondary education wasn’t the right fit.

“I was 18, trying to teach 17-year-olds, and it just didn’t feel right,” Mandy recalls. Undeterred, she pivoted and chose to study Social Ecology—a unique blend of environmental science, biology, and social sciences. Mandy describes this degree as a “beautiful blend to create an all-rounder,” providing her with a solid foundation to explore various career avenues.

Mandy’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. Her diverse career journey, spanning agriculture, fisheries, emergency response, and coaching, is marked by her ability to pivot and find new opportunities that align with her evolving interests and values. She completed an MBA while working full-time, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning. “It took me eight years, but it was all remote,” she shared, highlighting the flexibility of modern education pathways.

Now in Wongan Hills, Mandy continues to advocate for adult education and the importance of accessible learning opportunities in regional areas. She emphasizes how adult learners, who often juggle multiple responsibilities, need support systems like Lumen. “You don’t have to commit to a full-time study load. It’s about finding what works for you and taking advantage of the resources available,” Mandy explains. Lumen provides an environment where adult learners can thrive. “It’s just that open door and someone who knows what you are going through,” Mandy says, appreciating how Lumen makes learning more accessible and less isolating.

For Mandy, having access to a supportive community at Lumen has been crucial. “As an adult learner, the first thing you often give up is your learning, because life gets in the way,” she reflects. “That’s why places like Lumen are so important. They provide not just the resources but also the encouragement to keep going.” Mandy believes that with the right support, adult learners can serve as powerful role models for younger generations, showing that education and personal growth are lifelong pursuits.

Mandy Walker’s experience serves as an inspiring reminder of the value of flexibility, courage, and curiosity in education. For those considering returning to study or embarking on a new learning journey, Mandy’s advice is simple: “Be prepared to try something new, and don’t be afraid to change direction if it’s not the right fit. Your education is your journey—make it work for you.”

By Esther Mepham,
Student Support Officer at Lumen Wongan Hills University Study Hub