Whanganui's Liz Beamsley has been named New Zealand's top tertiary student by Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ).
The award recognised Ms Beamsley's achievements in Training For You's online learning programme, Teacher Aiding, based on criteria of academic excellence, dedication and commitment to learning, outstanding growth, improvement, and intellectual development.
Tutor Dianne Glennie said Ms Beamsley's adult education journey began in 2015.
"When Liz started with me in my Women in Learning, Intensive Literacy & Numeracy programme back in 2015, her confidence in herself was at a low ebb but she wanted to learn more and soon became motivated and engaged," Ms Glennie said.
"She had 100 per cent attendance while juggling her family of three teenagers and various volunteer work that she did. Her self-esteem, confidence and her belief in herself grew enormously over six months. She often supported others in the class and would work alongside them in a very supportive, unobtrusive way."
Her experience of volunteering in the classroom prompted Ms Beamsley to undertake the online Teacher Aiding (Level 4) qualification with Training For You in July 2016. While working through her qualification, she supported her studies by being a teacher aide-in-training.
"She nurtured people who had very low levels of literacy and numeracy by sitting down alongside them and working with patience, empathy and passion to support them in their journey," Ms Glennie said.
"Liz inspires learners to be more than they ever thought possible. She has the attitude 'If I can do it, anyone can'."
Ms Beamsley, who has fostered 65 children over many years, said she was "a great believer in paying back and helping people".
"I love teaching adults, to see them grow and to thrive and achieve is great.
"My children have also gained from my learning. I am teaching them numeracy and literacy which is helping them to improve their learning at school. I have taught them not to be afraid of things they don't know.
"My adult children are also very proud of me and they know that I am in a good place because I am happy and have found a purpose."
Ms Beamsley now has a level 4 certificate in teacher aiding and works part-time as a teacher aide for Training For You. She plans to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education, Level 5, with Training For You.