With three young children, a husband, and a lifestyle block, the 42-year-old master of health science (clinical education) student knew life would become one big juggling act.
"It was huge," she said.
After the former radiation therapist became pregnant with her third child, she left work to care for her family.
But when she was ready to return, she became victim to the economic downturn when there were no jobs available for her.
"When there were no jobs, I thought 'What can I do?"'
After much consideration, she decided to start her masters degree in 2009 and hoped to finish this semester.
As well as completing her thesis on how to get health science students to think properly, Ms Blakey is "juggling" part-time work at the university's medical school as a professional practice fellow.
As well as the job, a small scholarship, playing the trombone and occasional work at the student learning centre, along with her "very supportive husband" who works full-time, meant finances were not an issue, but ensuring she spent quality time with her children, and took care of herself, required planning.
"You have to compartmentalise."
Setting aside time to work, study, watch trivial television, enjoy a cup of tea, and play with the children, allowed her to keep in control of her busy life.
For those considering a return to study, or starting a course for the first time, she advised them to "plan ahead".
Organising child-care and being prepared to "sell yourself" to secure scholarships, were key.
"It's really, really scary, but you learn a lot on the way," she said.
Support was also in abundance with individuals and organisations available to help students with a range of problems.
"You have so much else going on, you feel very lonely.
"You have to work very hard and use your social contacts."
Some misconceptions she believed were common about mature students were that they were all "old farts" and "didn't like drinking".
However, while she appreciated "the buzz and excitement" first year students felt as they started their tertiary education journey, she wished they would "shut up because we've got work to do".
"O-week does not mean anything for a mature student - we've been there, done that," she said.
When she completes her masters, Ms Blakey believed she would feel a "great sense of relief, and probably a sense of where I'm going".
It would also mean she would have time to "do the garden" while continuing work part-time at the university.
It was important for her to have her children watching her study.
"They are quite interested, and they talk about the med school."
Name: Althea Blakey
Age: 42
Occupation: Student and professional practice fellow at the University of Otago medical school.
Years of study: University of Nottingham radiation therapy, graduated in 1991; University of Otago post-graduate diploma in clinical education, graduated 2005; University of Otago masters of health science (clinical education), 2009-now.
Previous roles: Radiation therapist.
