Learning ambassador Trudy Shan Walder

34-year-old Trudy Shan Walder left school at the beginning of Year 11. At the age of 29, as part of her recovery from domestic violence and significant injuries which will remain throughout her life, she enrolled into an Aged and Disability Care program in her local community college. Despite the obstacles she faced, Trudy pushed through to pursue learning and she earned the nickname, “Dr Trudy” for her fervour.

In 2019, Trudy undertook Foundation Studies and later enrolled in Psychology at the University of South Australia. She also learned to play the saxophone and joined a local band, with which she now performs. Trudy plans to finish her psychology course next year and hopes to work in education to support students pursuing their own learning goals.