She knows it is not always easy. 

But it is a challenge the Wiradjuri woman not only took on and conquered, it is one she was awarded for. 

Ms Cord was named the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander of the year at this year’s Tafe NSW Riverina Excellence Awards in Wagga on Friday. 

It is an honour she never expected. 

For two years, Ms Cord had been working toward a diploma in Aboriginal studies. 

“I started studying for personal reasons,” Ms Cord said.

“I wanted to learn enough about my culture to pass on to my children.”

Studying online via the Young campus, the mother-of-three had kicked off the course while pregnant with her fourth child and fostering her baby niece.

The following year the Wagga woman was looking after three young boys, a newborn and a seven-month-old baby girl.  

“There were times I was concerned I might not even make it to graduation,” Ms Cord said.

“Balancing study and home-life was the biggest struggle for me.”

Without the support of her family and her husband, she said she would not have made it through. 

To any other mothers considering a change in their career, she said anything was possible.

“It’s easy to get overwhelmed,” Ms Cord said. “You just have to make yourself small goals and work towards them.”

The annual awards event acknowledged the achievements of students from the across the region.

With more than 27,000 residents enrolled last year, Tafe’s regional general manager Kerry Penton said Friday’s nominees were the “cream of the crop”. 

“They’re the best of the best,” Ms Penton said. “They represent a very large student body and have each overcome significant obstacles during their studies.” 

A host of VIPs – including Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, Albury MP Greg Aplin, Wagga mayor Greg Conkey and former Riverina federal MP Kay Hull – attended the ceremony to congratulate the students.

In addition to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the year, other major awards handed out were Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Employer of the Year.

Student of the Year: Jake Geltch (Wagga Wagga campus)

Apprentice of the Year: Evan Gargaro (Wagga Wagga campus)

Building Excellence Award: Jack Kirchner (Wagga Wagga campus)

Employer of the Year: Riverina Water County Council

Information Technology Excellence Award: Joshua Obst (Wagga Wagga campus)

Campus Outstanding Achievement Award/EFPI Excellence Award: Mark Sibraa (Primary

Industries Centre, North Wagga campus)

Campus Outstanding Achievement Award/Early Childhood Education and Care Excellence

Award: Joyce Tlhalerwa (Tumut campus)