A University of the Sunshine Coast Psychology graduate from Gympie is planning to build a career around understanding the minds of adolescents to help them to succeed at school.

Kyle Elsley, 23, graduated from USC recently with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), and is now enrolled in a dual degree in Secondary Education and Science.

“When I reached the second year of Psychology, I started looking at ways I could assist the development of adolescents, either through developmental psychology or teaching,” he said.

“I decided that education would better suit me, and allow me to proactively assist the younger generation through knowledge and guidance.”

Kyle said he was interested in teaching mathematics and business to high school students.

“I also want to build on my Psychology studies and gain the required qualifications to become a school guidance officer.” 

After completing senior at James Nash State High School in 2009, Kyle studied a year of a business degree at a university in Brisbane before deciding his interest was in understanding mental processes and human behaviour.

He returned to live at Chatsworth, near Gympie, and enrolled in the Social Science (Psychology) degree at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs.

“I chose USC as it was close to home and I had heard good things about it from friends,” he said.

“I found that the teaching quality has a nicer feel to it than in Brisbane. At USC the lecturers are friendly and always happy to answer questions about the coursework or issues around the world.”

To view USC’s four final graduation ceremonies for 2016, go to http://www.usc.edu.au/learn/graduation/after-graduation/previous-ceremonies

For information on studying at USC go to www.usc.edu.au/learn

— Clare McKay