Bernie’s story: Growing, creating, and showing up with purpose

At 63, Bernadette (Bernie) Jarvis has reshaped her life through learning, creativity, and self-reflection. After spending many years caring for others, Bernie realised she needed to take time for herself. That decision led her to study at Chisholm. A step that not only changed her life for the better but also allowed her to impact the lives of others.

Her journey began with the Certificate III in Horticulture, a Free TAFE course. Gardening had always been part of her life, passed down through family traditions. But for Bernie, this course became more than learning about plants. It became a path toward personal healing. “Nature helps you face things. It gives structure to the healing process.”

At the same time, Bernie worked through her challenges, from a traumatic childhood to the emotional weight of caregiving and was supported by her teachers and a dedicated student advisor. “I could heal just by turning up,” Bernie explains, “Being around people from different walks of life reminded me that I could change my direction.”

After completing her studies in Horticulture, Bernie followed her instincts to the Certificate IV in Visual Arts. This time, she received a full scholarship through the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation. Art gave Bernie a new way to express herself and build community. So far, she has contributed to three pieces in the recent Small Works student exhibition at Cube 37, given public speeches about her journey and supported fellow students.

Bernie also brought a sense of care to her classroom. Whether it was helping new students navigate Chisholm systems, sharing advice about course flexibility, or simply offering homemade brownies on the first day of term, she consistently showed up for others as well as herself. “Sometimes, doing something small lets people know they matter, even before you’ve spoken to them,” she says.

Reflecting on her experience, Bernie credits her teachers as key supporters in her journey. “Shaun and Bec were my heroes. Bec could see when something was going on with me before I even realised it myself, and Shaun always gave me the choice to step up without pressure. That changed everything.”

Bernie  views her learning as a continuous journey. “I make every decision with intention. If I say no to something, I know I won’t regret it. If I say yes, I give it everything.” That includes stepping outside her comfort zone, whether trying new equipment or challenging herself in creative projects. Bernie believes both art and nature build self-awareness and is still exploring how they connect.

Her advice to other students is simple but powerful: “Listen carefully. Then question everything. Ask your teachers. Push the boundaries. Learning goes both ways. Teachers teach us, and we teach them by showing up and participating.”

Bernie’s story is a reminder that education is not just about study, it’s about connection, growth, and finding your own path. And by showing up, you can transform your own life and help others do the same.