UOW Graduate William Bruce

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Wiradjuri student William Bruce graduated from UOW this year with a Bachelor of Archaeology and a lifetime's worth of valuable skills. William acknowledges the importance of his community in Dubbo which provides the motivation, support, and encouragement to persevere with his studies. 

William explained that community is the glue that holds everything together. It ensures that despite challenges, the core goals don't break or get lost in the process. 

“One of the biggest challenges for me was moving away from my hometown and family and learning how to live on my own,” William said. 
Like so many students before him William found that the students and staff of WIC helped to fill that void and provide a safe and supportive space during his studies.

“Being a part of the WIC community was a great experience due to the services they provide like help with tutoring and even having a place that felt almost like home,” William said. “The help from the staff at WIC always checking up to make sure I’m on track and providing opportunities for help in my studies made a huge difference.” 

William also made a huge impact on the WIC community, particularly in his role as a WIC Ambassador and through his involvement with the My Future Matters program. In these roles William was able to provide the encouragement and support to future students that he credited with his own success at university, staying true to his values and culture.

“If I could give any words of advice, it would be to use every advantage and opportunity given to you,” William said. The key is to seize every opportunity and give it a go. Take the first step however daunting, it might lead you to places you didn't know existed before you left. 

William has returned home to Dubbo for the time being and is excited about opportunities to continue developing his skills and knowledge in archaeology and cultural heritage in the future.