The past 12 years have taken a far different turn for Sue Lane of Goonellabah in northern NSW than she ever could have imagined.
At 41, Sue contracted an autoimmune disease which left her with 5% vision. It meant significant adjustments to her personal and working life.
"Back then I was on the road working as a sales rep which I couldn’t do any longer. Once I came to terms with what had happened and learned to adjust, I decided to look at a new career. My son, a Southern Cross University (SCU) graduate, encouraged me to consider getting a degree," said Sue.
"I'd always been interested in the law and the way our lives are governed and directed by legislation put in place by our elected representatives. I was also interested in how judicial reasoning takes place, and how laws are interpreted by the court."
So proving that neither being in her 40s nor having a vision impairment are barriers to university, Sue graduated from Southern Cross University with an honours Law degree last weekend.
In 2008 Sue entered the Preparing for Success at SCU Program (PSP), an alternative pathway into Southern Cross University.
"I left school at 15. PSP prepared me not only for what was required of me academically, but also helped me find my place among the student community. After completing PSP with the requisite grades I was offered a place in the School of Law and Justice and embarked on my law degree the following year.
"I wasn't sure I would ever finish it. But the academics and staff in the School of Law and Justice, Disability and Equity Services staff, Library staff, and my notetaker and moral support Kay Cotterill, all helped me achieve my dream. I couldn't have done it without them. Thank you."
Sue's Honours thesis is concerned with whether current legislation serves its purpose of assisting persons with an intellectual disability who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
“My conclusion is that it does not, and reform is necessary to expressly address the needs of this group of people. NSW Law Reform Commission reports, together with groups who advocate for persons with an intellectual disability, have recommended reform for two decades, but to date no significant reform has taken place."
Sue is justifiably proud of her achievements.
"Being able to study law has completely changed my life. I learned a lot about law but I also learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of.
"I've discovered that I can be independent and go places without needing someone to go with me. I've also discovered that I am a very motivated person with a level of commitment that I didn't understand I had.
"The experience has given me so much more confidence to go about life in a completely different way. My perspective on life has changed."
Sue's family - including husband Rob, two children and four grandchildren - were at the graduation ceremony to cheer her on.
"They are very proud. My family has been an amazing support base. My husband is such a patient man."
Sue says that “on a good day” she has about 10% of her sight but on a bad day, it is back to 5%. She says she general sees shapes and silhouettes.
Sue will be admitted to the legal profession in November when she completes a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Her next goal is to undertake PhD research into either mental health law or end of life law.
Sue with her 'study teddy', Nigel
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