Alice Hoffman-Ross - Certificate III & IV in Permaculture

It feels surreal that I have ended up finding my passion through studying permaculture, especially considering I had never heard the word before, nor spent much time even looking at the ground beneath my feet. When an accident put me out of action for a year, it gave me the opportunity to reassess my and life, consider what I truly wanted it to look like and what kind of job was going to fulfill me… My values about work had shifted drastically since the accident, I wanted to – work outdoors, nourish my body, connect with the world around me and do something meaningful, something that gave me purpose (as cliché as all that sounds… it was genuine). 

A friend had planted the permaculture seed about a year earlier, it was a very brief comment that I gave barely any attention to. Little did I know, this seed was just waiting for the perfect conditions to sprout. And as perfect time would have it, I recovered from my accident just in time for the Certificate III in Permaculture to start.

I couldn’t believe that the course was subsided, accredited and Austudy approved (which is what made it possible for me to meet my living costs). I am truly grateful to have had the chance to learn how to live a better life, on an environmental and social level.  I made close friends through the course. and our tutors – Jules, Sharon and Lauren were an inspiration. Di, Kat and the admin team have also been incredibly supportive, the college feels like a family.

Many opportunities and networks have already evolved from studying the course- I am working as part of an all-female landscape gardening team, which will continue to support me and develop my learning as I now complete the Certificate IV in Permaculture.

I would love to consult one day to create sustainable systems and help to empower others as we build community-sufficiency. I am grateful to have found Permaculture and a community where we are building resiliency in every aspect.

I highly recommend studying with Bryon Community College, and encourage giving any inkling to a passion a red hot go! You never know, it might just open up your world. The college provides a fantastic way of learning thanks to the hands-on teaching, support provided by tutors and staff, its location and laid back (yet still structured) nature. It really has changed my life. Thank you.

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