Lumen Autumn 2024 - Flipbook - Page 20
Letters to the Editor
Stacey Page
The opportunity to study at the University
of Adelaide changed my life in so many
ways. Gaining this education brought
confidence and knowledge that I thought
I was incapable of achieving. I began my
journey at university as a mature-age
student, coming from a disadvantaged
background in out-of-home care with little
support. I was a new mum struggling in a
domestic violence situation and was learning
to navigate my child’s and my own newly
diagnosed neurodivergence. I found a sense
of belonging at university and found a
network of kind, caring people who helped
me see that I was not worthless or stupid
like I was conditioned to believe. I eventually
found the courage to leave my violent
partner and raise my child as a single parent
in a loving safe environment; I couldn’t be
more grateful for the life my son and I
now have.
B Psych Sc (Hons) 2019
Kavita Bhandari
The University of Adelaide
bestowed upon me a transformative
opportunity, making me the trailblazer
in my family’s history to venture overseas
in pursuit of higher education. The
unwavering support and opportunities
extended by the University have shaped me
into a resolute and self-reliant woman, one
who eagerly anticipates the opportunity to
shatter more barriers and confront societal
conventions. My journey, from summoning
the courage to leave the familiar confines of
home, to spearheading my path in the maledominated construction industry where
women constitute a mere nine per cent,
stands as a testament to the empowering
experience I’ve garnered at the University.
It has not merely equipped me with
academic knowledge but has fortified me
with the strength to inscribe my own
narrative. With gratitude in my heart,
I celebrate the University of Adelaide as
the catalyst of my dreams, a place where
opportunities merge with challenges,
propelling us to redefine our potentials.
M Construction Management 2021
Dr Moleen Nand, Fiji
Hi! My name is Moleen and I am
from Fiji Islands. I graduated with
my PhD in May 2023. My PhD research
examined climate change loss and damage
in Fiji’s sugar industry. Studying at the
University of Adelaide created history for
me in various ways! To begin with, I am the
first person in my family to attain a PhD.
Secondly, my research is the first study to
examine climate change loss and damage in
Fiji’s sugar industry. At the national level, I
am proud to say that I am the only person
in Fiji to obtain a PhD in this thematic
area! Studying at the University of Adelaide
equipped me with the skills and knowledge
to further pursue my interest and research
in climate change loss and damage in
other Pacific Island Countries as a
Postdoctoral research fellow at the
University of Queensland.
PhD (Human Soc) 2023
Dr Cecilia Har
It’s always been my dream to
restore someone’s health,
improve quality of life, bring them
happiness and a big wide smile. The
University of Adelaide dental school is one
of the most prestigious institutions and
being a part of it has changed my life.
I learnt to live in a community away from
home, learnt to help and support one
another, learnt to adapt to a different culture
and most importantly it’s changed me
from dreaming my dream, to living out my
dream! The University has changed my life
and equipped me to change and impact the
world! Thank you, University of Adelaide,
for making history in my life - I am and will
forever be a proud alumna of the University.
Matt McRae
University transformed my life, giving me
the freedom to shape my destiny. I still recall
the moment, stuck in a storeroom at my
part-time warehouse job post-high school,
yearning for something more, but uncertain
about the path ahead. Just three years later,
armed with a degree in business from the
University of Adelaide, I emerged with the
power to craft my own future. Today, five
years into my career, I am living the life
I once only dreamed of – thriving both
professionally and personally. The
inspiration I received at the University
of Adelaide ignited a spark within me,
propelling me towards success, aspiration
and financial stability.
B Com 2018
Rev Judith Carpenter
My passion has been to provide
chaplaincy /spiritual care,
especially to palliative care patients, in
public hospitals. Completing a Grad Cert
in Grief and Palliative Care Counselling
2003, as a scholarship recipient, led to
implementing Pastoral Care provision in
my local health service which then led onto
being an ordained Chaplain. The time at
the University was encouraging, a time
I thrived, was challenged, and was very
equipped with counselling skills used over
many years in my community and which
continues even now. I am very grateful for
the opportunity given to learn, grow and
serve others.
Grad Cert Grief and Palliative Care
Counselling 2003
Christopher Hryciuk
Two very proud grandmothers on
graduation day! I will never forget
their smiles.
Dr Francis Nge, NSW
Studying at the University of
Adelaide has helped me see the
world, through both education and the value
of critical thinking. It has allowed me to
pursue my passion and crafted an international career, taking me to France, Ecuador,
Malaysia, Singapore, and back to Australia.
The University’s commitment to research
excellence has opened doors and allowed
me to secure a position as a
permanent researcher at one of the largest
botanic gardens in Australia (NSW).
B App Sc (Nat Res Mgmt) 1996
PhD (Bio Sc) 2021
BDS 2022
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