A Proud First: Thomas Whittington's Journey to Graduation and Beyond

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Graduating with a Bachelor of Primary Education, Thomas Whittington has achieved a milestone that means more than just a degree. He is the first in his family to graduate from university. For Thomas, it’s not just a personal victory, but a tribute to the hard work and support of his family, particularly his parents.
“To be the first in my family to graduate is something I feel incredibly proud of, not just for myself, but for the sacrifices and support my parents gave me to get here. To be in this position today means everything.”

Thomas always had a natural curiosity about teaching, the act of delivering lessons and understanding how people learn and how to teach effectively. It was this passion that led him to pursue a degree in education. From his school years, the idea of becoming a teacher fascinated him, and university gave him the platform to turn that dream into a reality.

Throughout his study journey, Thomas immersed himself not only in coursework but in community. One of the highlights for him was the chance to be part of the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) community, alongside broader connections across the University of Wollongong.
“I’m really proud of the opportunities I had to be a part of WIC and the wider UOW community. Those connections meant a lot to me.”
Like many students, Thomas’s academic path wasn’t without difficulty especially during the pandemic. Studying through COVID-19 brought challenges that tested his motivation and resilience.

“COVID was tough. The lack of social interaction made it hard to stay motivated and keep pushing through the schoolwork. But I had a goal to graduate and that kept me going, even during the hardest times.”
One of the biggest hurdles came when he failed a core subject. A moment that reshuffled his degree plan and meant he couldn’t graduate alongside his friends. It was a disheartening setback, but Thomas found support and strength through the WIC community.

“Failing that subject was rough, but WIC was such a big help during that time. It gave me a space to study, reset, and stay focused especially when home didn’t feel productive. I always knew I wanted to finish this for myself and for my family.”

For mob who might be struggling through their own studies, Thomas offers this simple but powerful advice:
“There’s always support available. No matter what you’re going through, WIC is a great place to turn to whether you need academic help, emotional support, or just someone to yarn with.”

Now, with degree in hand, Thomas is stepping confidently into the next phase of his journey. He’s been accepted into the prestigious NSW Government Graduate Program — an 18-month placement that helps graduates build careers in the public sector. 
“I’ll be working in the government system, and I’m really hoping to use my degree in education to support the work I do. Particularly if I can contribute to the Department of Education and help make a broader difference.”