Testimonials

Mohammad Attar

Campus: UOW Bega
Degree Undertaken at UOW: Bachelor of Nursing
Year commenced: 2018

Mohammad Attar

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega?

To be honest I chose UOW Bega campus because of the UNI’s high standards. It has been suggested to me by many previous students who graduated from Bega campus, they were so proud of it, so this makes me feel eager to study and finish a degree at this campus.

By having smaller classes, UOW Bega will give me the opportunity to have friendships and to get good support from the services that are available on campus

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a University close to home?

Being able to study close to home means a lot to me, I don’t have to travel away from my family, also I can continue to work in the local hospital and be around my friends.

I like supporting my community, by being a Rural Fire Service volunteer, so I will not lose access to that and keep my skills up to date.

Why did you choose your particular degree?

My particular degree, nursing, fit with my passion of caring for people. I moved to Australia in 2016 and before this time, I was living in my mother country, Lebanon, where I used to be involved in community work such as volunteering as an ambulance driver. Working to help ill and injured people, being their first aider, motivated me to want to learn more about nursing. Unfortunately, in Lebanon I could not do further study as I was characterized as too old to start my study and get a degree.

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega

The people on campus are all so friendly and we support each other, including my friends in class and our tutors who teach us. Also, fellow students and tutors from other subjects make us feel like a community – not to forget, the campus manager who is always smiling. Everyone at this campus are more than happy to help with whatever you want. In addition, we have access to Uni 24/7 which is an advantage for us to do extra study in a quiet place (especially with young kids at home!)

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega

Family, Inspirational, Motivating.

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

I’m not sure! Nursing has so many specialist fields, I look forward to getting more experience during my years of study to help me decide. I have experience working in the operating theater, so becoming a specialist as an Operating theater nurse could be the place where I would like to be.

What prompted your return to tertiary education?

Coming to Australia and having the opportunity to study makes me feel that I am still young and yes, I can reach my goals in life and become a nurse. The nursing career opens-up so many, diverse job opportunities and you can choose many different paths in the course of your career.

Any further comments you would like to add?

“العلم نور والجهل ظلام”

“Knowledge is light, Ignorance is darkness”


 

Claudia Mitchell

Campus: UOW Bega

Degree Undertaken at UOW: Bachelor of Nursing

Year Commenced: 2018

Student in Nursing Lab

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega?

Firstly the degree I had always wanted to study was offered through UOW and in particular the Bega campus. I found this campus to be humble, small and full of opportunities for a student in a rural area. Further advantages are listened below.

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a University close to home?

The opportunity to attend university at the Bega campus has allowed me to experience a smooth transition from secondary education into adult and self-directed learning. Other advantages included being able to maintain a sense of familiarity with my support networks being family and friends and enjoying the calming coastal lifestyle. I feel that this has had a positive impact also resulting in the elimination of unnecessary stress in regards to maintaining financial opportunities and steady employment.

Why did you choose your particular degree?

Nursing to me is highly rewarding. Throughout my high schooling I enjoyed subjects such as PD/H/PE and science from learning how the body works. I’ve always wanted to be a midwife and in order to bring myself greater opportunities in my future career I decided to complete my Registered Nursing before Midwifery.

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega

Being a student at UOW Bega, I enjoy seeing the fresh faces of local’s starting their new university degrees. It gives me a sense of even in a rural area University is an extraordinary opportunity to take. More importantly I thoroughly enjoy being able to communicate with the local schools and students within. I feel being such a young student and past school leader, I connect with the local students for them to feel comfortable and that there future degrees are possible. I am currently a uni mentor and to have this job in my local area is so rewarding to help the students who were in years below me only two years ago.

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega

Intimate, Supporting, Communal

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

After completing my bachelor of nursing, I aspire to start a diploma in Midwifery after a grad year as a registered nurse. And hopefully complete a new grad year in the UK and travel with both my degree’s in the future.


 

Merrilie Insch

Campus: UOW Bega

Degree Undertaken at UOW: Master of Teaching

Year Commenced: 2019

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega?

I chose UOW Bega so that I could remain living in the area, and I was delighted to learn that I could study part time, raise my family and stay connected to my community.

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a University close to home?

I can remain connected to my community and live the life I chose whilst still studying.

Why did you choose your particular degree?

I enjoy the company, energy and humor of young people. I would like to be part of a teaching and learning community that helps to prepare young people for the challenges and joys of adulthood. 

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega

The environment is intimate, supportive and nurturing.

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega

High standards, supportive, community minded.

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

I would like to be a classroom teacher and work with young adults.

What prompted your return to tertiary education?

Potential employment opportunities have encouraged me to return to Tertiary studies.


 

Jessica Clarke

Campus: UOW Bega

Degree Undertaken at UOW: Bachelor of Business

Year Commenced: 2017

Graduated: 2019

Student in the sunshine

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega?

 

I choose UOW Bega because I live in the Bega Valley and I wanted a face to face experience, as I had perviously studied online through different institutions and didn't enjoy it. The staff at UOW Bega were and have always bee very supportive and encouraging throughout my degree.

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a University close to home?

The biggest advantages of studying at Bega Campus is that it is familiar small and less stressful, so rather than having to navigate and find my way on the Wollongong Campus I can focus better on studying.

Also, I am able to live with my family which makes the experience more affordable.  

Why did you choose your particular degree?

 

I choose a Bachelor of Business because the degree had some prescribed subjects but also allowed me the freedom to choose different subjects which I was interested in. A Bachelor of Business was able to help me see clear career paths once I had graduated and this was important to me.

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega

What I enjoy most about UOW Bega is that it feels personalised, the staff know you by name, you don't get lost in a sea of students and just become a number. The classes are small and I feel more comfortable to be involved in class discussions. The tutors are very supportive and committed to you success. 

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega

Supportive, Successful, Personalised

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

I would like to work and travel abroad, this degree allows me to do that.

What prompted your return to tertiary education?

 

I'm a mature age student and returned to study because I wanted an education and a career which was more fulfilling and gave me more opportunities.