Berenice Hurst

My son had special education needs being a gifted child who suffers with a neuroogical disorder making it difficult to achieve examination results consistent with his level of intellect. Because of this, I needed to provide full-time, hands on support for his high school education. I did this by enrolling him in government-run distance education, and took on the role of home tutor which included:

• Learning the units in the curriculum and formulating a teaching style that worked for him to ensure he could focus and understand. This resulted in high an very high achievement levels.
• Helped prepare for assessments by providing guidance, motivation, and encouragement, while constantly monitoring his anxiety and making adjustments to keep those levels low.
• Kept regular communication with teachers and staff, working together to provide the best education possible.
• When we moved to New Zealand for my husband's work I also took on the role as our younger son's home tutor, although his needs were not as extensive as our older son. I also began my beauty industry education and set up my home salon at this time.
• My role as home tutor resulted in both boys' high achievement levels, and our eldest son has been working as a software engineer for the past 3.5 years and is newly married. Our youngest is continuing outside education while working towards commencing a marine electrical apprenticeship.

• Built from the ground up, developing a loyal client base by providing the highest quality services and nurturing positive relationships with customers.
• Implemented strict hygiene and safety protocols to maintain a clean, safe environment for both clients and myself. Developed client information and consultation and consent forms for every client.
• Complied with all local, state, and federal regulations governing the operation of beauty salons to ensure continued licensure which included health, safety and hygiene inspections of premises by local council. Ensured insurance was up to date.
• Increased client satisfaction by continuing my education on the latest beauty trends through courses and friendly relationships with industry leaders. This enabled me to continue to customised beauty consultations and recommend suitable products and services.
• Ensured each client left their appointment feeling pampered and beautiful.

I wanted to give back to this beautiful little school in appreciation for the help they provided our son with special learning needs, so I spent most days donating my time to helping in year 1 classes. My duties included:

• Gave support to students in reading, writing, and art activities and ran the weekly Jenny WIP spelling program.
• Classroom maintenance and upkeep,
• Marking tests.
• Provided general support to the teacher in all classroom activities.

I also worked on a paid basis for one year teaching English as a second language to primary students, and was the P & C secretary for two years.

I worked as a Tupperware Consultant when my boys were very little. I loved my job and developed a wonderful customer base. My best achievement was during Record Breaker Week, where hundreds of consultants around the country aimed to beat their monthly record. I was ranked number 11 in the country for this month.

• Greeted customers and directed them to the appropriate departments.
• Operated cash register for cash, cheque, and credit card transactions related to council rates, planning fees and local licences.
• Took on extra shifts during busy times.

I loved this job, and only left to have my baby.