At Macquarie Community College, we celebrate the transformative stories of our students. This year’s Adult Learners Week Writing Competition showcased Yoga Skandakumar, our first-place winner. Her reflections on education and personal growth reminds us that learning has no boundaries.
A Career of Service and a New Chapter
Yoga’s journey is as rich as her professional background.
“I am an Accountant by profession and have worked at the University of Sydney for over 20 years,” she shares. “My career in Australia has involved dealing with figures and serving students at the University.”
Born in Sri Lanka, Yoga has lived in Malaysia and England before migrating to Australia in 1991 with her family. As retirement approached, she began to reflect on how to spend the rest of her life.
Navigating Modern Technology
Yoga’s adult learning journey began with a desire to understand modern technology. She turned to Macquarie Community College, where courses are tailored for adult learners.
“The path to learning new technology starts with a teacher. Macquarie Community College is the best place to find that guidance,” she says.
Through the Tech Savvy Seniors courses at MCC Carlingford campus, Yoga discovered the world of blogging.
“I learned firsthand about blogging and found it fascinating,” she shares.
Before the pandemic, Yoga actively blogged about her culinary and travel experiences. Travel restrictions limited her adventures, but revisiting her posts brought her joy. Her blog now serves as a diary of her favourite moments over the years.
Building Confidence with the Digital Education
Yoga also completed the Introduction to Social Media course. Here, she gained confidence using platforms like Facebook, Skype, Twitter, and YouTube.
“I became skilled with these tools, enriching my connections with family and friends,” she explains.
This confidence opened doors for Yoga, helping her stay engaged with the world. Yoga’s learning didn’t stop there. She attended a Short Story Writing course at MCC Chatswood campus, which sparked her passion for creative writing.
“The course inspired me to start my writing journey in blogging,” she recalls.
Encouraged by her family, Yoga began sharing her stories. Positive feedback motivated her to explore writing further.
The Power of Digital Education
Yoga emphasizes that education should be a lifelong pursuit.
“Digital education can transform an ordinary person into someone extraordinary,” she asserts.
She believes anyone committed to learning can reach new heights. Yoga’s journey highlights the need for continuous growth.
“People are living longer. We need to prepare for the years beyond retirement,” she observes. “Adult education keeps our minds active and helps us learn new things.”
Citing Thomas Troward, she adds, “Growth is a natural process for all living beings.”
A Future of Possibilities with Digital Education
Yoga’s experience at Macquarie Community College proves that education has a profound impact on personal development at any age.
“I plan to invest more time in creative writing courses,” she shares, excited about her future.
The MCC Team congratulates Yoga on her well-deserved win and celebrates her inspiring story. Her digital education journey is a good reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and embrace new experiences.
Join Us in Lifelong Learning
Inspired by Yoga’s journey? Macquarie Community College offers a variety of courses for adult learners. Whether you’re interested in technology, creative writing, or have other areas of interest, our programs will empower your lifelong learning journey.
Don’t miss our upcoming Get Online Week! Explore Free taster classes in tech, creative arts, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and boost your skills.
Check out and Enrol today!
