We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you personalised advertising. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy

Skip to Content
University of Wollongong Australia. Logo. University of Wollongong Australia. Logo. University of Wollongong Australia. Logo.
  • Search
  • Give
  • Library
  • Current Students
  • Staff
  • UOW Global
    • Our global presence
    • UOW in Dubai
    • UOW in Hong Kong
    • UOW in Malaysia
  • Menu
  • Study at UOW

    • Courses
    • Apply
    • Scholarships & grants
    • Accommodation
    • High-school students
    • Non-school leavers
    • Postgraduate students
    • International students
    • Moving to Wollongong
    • Study abroad & exchange
    • Global sport programs
    • Campuses
    Study at UOW
  • Engage

    • Future student
    • Alumni
    • Visit UOW
    • Woolyungah Indigenous Centre
    • Volunteer
    • The Stand Magazine
    • Community Members
    • Grants and funding
    • Give to UOW
    • Visit the Library
    • Key contacts
    • Educators & school teachers
    Engage with us
  • About UOW

    • Welcome
    • Our people
    • Services
    • Contacts
    • What's on
    • Global presence
    • Media Centre
    • Faculties & schools
    • Our vision & strategy
    • Our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Strategy
    • Our reputation & experience
    • Locations, campuses & partners
    See more about UOW
  • Research

    • Our research
    • Researcher support
    • Research impact
    • Partnership & collaboration
    • Graduate Research School
    • Commercial research
    • Global Challenges
    • Media, news & events
    • Find an expert
    • Our people
    See more about research
  • Industry

    • Generator Lab
    • Advantage SME
    • Success stories
    • Industry research engagement
    • Equipment & Labs
    • Funding opportunities
    • Intellectual property
    • Collaboration for business
    • Collaboration for researchers
    • Careers and employability
    See more about Industry
  • Alumni

    • Benefits
    • Outlook Magazine
    • Events & webinars
    • Volunteer
    • Awards
    • Honorary alumni
    • Testamurs & transcripts
    • Update your details
    • Your career journey
    • Contact us & FAQ
    See more about alumni
  • Quick links

    • Contact directory
    • Staff Intranet
    • Campus maps
    • Transport & parking
    • Key dates
    • Events
    • Password management
    • Jobs
    • Accommodation
    • Policy directory
  • Library
You are here More Pages
  • Home
  • About UOW
  • Media Centre
  • 2022
  • Teklemariam overcomes challenges to achieve his dream

Media Quick Links

  • Contact UOW Media
  • Visiting campus
  • Image library
  • UOW key facts
  • Find an expert
  • News Corp subscription
  • Sign up for the latest news from UOW Media

November 1, 2022


  • Story By
  • Keeli Cambourne
  • Photo By
  • Paul Jones and Tim Jones
Share
Type
General News
Category
Business and Economy
Tags
Sydney CBD CampusWollongongGraduationStudent lifeBusinessError: Content Layout not found: media-centre/related-article-item of 146812.
Related Posts

UOW in the News

Teklemariam overcomes challenges to achieve his dream

Commerce graduate shares his incredible journey from Eritrea to UOW


Teklemariam Mengistu had just one year and one week of high school education in Australia when he began studying for his Higher School Certificate. 

He knew he was behind the eight ball regarding his schoolmates, having had to learn English, on top of trying to settle into a new country, but the young Eritrean student wasn’t going to let that stop him from achieving his big dreams. 

“After the HSC results were mailed to my address, I realised I ended up with an ATAR of 40,” he said. “It was disappointing but not something I could control because I was learning English from scratch.” 

English is Teklemariam’s third language and before he started schooling in Australia in 2013, he’d survived more than most in their lifetime. 

His family had fled Eritrea for Sudan in the late 1990s seeking safety during the horrendous war between Eritrea and neighbouring country Ethiopia. From Sudan, Teklemariam and his family returned to their home country (Eritrea), just a month after he was born in Khartoum, only to flee Eritrea again – on foot ­– when the war resumed. 

They applied for a humanitarian visa through the United Nations to come to Australia and were finally approved after more than 10 years. 

Today (Tuesday 1 November), alongside his sister, brother, and grandfather, Teklemariam celebrated his graduation from the University of Wollongong (UOW), with a Bachelor of Commerce (Dean’s Scholar). But it was a long, and at times difficult, journey to finally make it to that stage. 

“The first place I visited on the day of my arrival after Sydney was Wollongong and it is still my favourite place,” Teklemariam said. 

After six months of intensive English training, Teklemariam enrolled in high school for one week of Year 9 before the Christmas break. But he was determined to honour all the people from his community who put faith in his ability to achieve his academic potential. 

In his final year of high school, just before sitting his HSC exams, Teklemariam attended a UOW College information session. It was a decision that would change his life. 

“The English as an Additional Language and Dialect (EALD) teachers at school encouraged me to consider enrolling into one of the College’s courses if I was unable to achieve my desired ATAR grade because [they knew] after arriving in Australia my main goal was to pursue a higher education degree” he said. 

“The College had a pathway program into an undergraduate degree at the University of Wollongong which suited my ability and personal circumstances at the time.”

Teklemariam Mengistu, in a blue graduation gown, with (from left) his grandfather, wearing all white, his sister, wearing a white dress, and his brother, wearing a black suit. The whole family is smiling at the camera. Photo: Paul Jones Teklemariam, pictured with his grandfather, sister, and brother on his graduation day at UOW. 

Teklemariam said it was challenging to start a new educational program once again, but he was determined to make his dream turn into reality whilst making his family and Eritrean community proud. 

“At first, it was challenging to learn in a new environment but there were other students in the same situation as myself,” he said. 

“And the teachers at the College were extremely supportive during every step of my course. 

“The skills I gained and the support from the teachers played a vital role in my higher education studies.” 

And after successfully completing the tertiary preparation course within six months, Teklemariam was on the road to achieving his goal, starting his Bachelor of Business. 

“By the second year of university I was much more confident than I was during my first year at UOW, and by the third and fourth year I achieved some of the highest marks from the entire cohort. I felt extremely honoured and proud to reach such milestones because most students within my cohort were born and raised here in Australia and English was their first language,” he said. 

“The students were also more familiar with the Australian curriculum than me as most of them were recent high school graduates. Such achievements make me realise that dedication, hard work and consistency can enable anyone to achieve anything in life.  

“I am a living proof that you can achieve everything that you dream of if you persevere through your challenges whilst being determined to succeed. 

“UOW College had equipped me with the skills that made my dreams turn into a reality.” 

Not only did Teklemariam achieve academic excellence, but he also graduated on the Dean’s Scholar program, reserved for the top five per cent of students in the faculty. 

“I was on the list for multiple subjects for the year 2021, which was a challenging year to focus on my studies due to the disruptions and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

“Without going to UOW College I do not imagine I would be where I am now, not just with my grades but also the career I have been offered at UOW College.” 

Teklemariam Mengistu stands in front of a building at UOW. He wears a blue shirt and is smiling. Photo: Tim Jones

After graduating from the STEP program, Teklemariam was offered a position at the College during his second year of his undergraduate degree as a Peer Learning Program Marketing Co-ordinator. He also secured a position at the UOW’s campus at the Sydney Business School upon completion of his degree. 

“My university degree is the biggest achievement I have ever had,” he said.  “But the motivation to achieve this dream partially stems from the perseverance embedded within my Eritrean identity.   

“When I was in Sudan my family and the Eritrean community were supporting me with my studies, buying books and school clothes, so even though I was going through challenges, I tried to do my best and thrive through the difficult circumstances at the time.

“Prior to commencing my studies at UOW I knew what I wanted to achieve, and why I wanted to achieve it, but I did not know ‘how to’ achieve my dream. The College played the ‘how to’ role which was imperative to achieving my dream. 

“My educational experience at the College served as a bridge connecting the skills acquired within the STEP program with my undergraduate degree. It was the best decision and pathway which I have taken prior to commencing my degree.” 

Teklemariam has been offered the opportunity to complete a Master’s degree but he aims to gain further career experience for now while mentoring and advising students who may find themselves in the same situation as he did at the end of Year 12. 

“The skills I learned at UOW College will serve me for the rest of my life – in all aspects of life and to do the best that I can,” he said. 

“I had many challenges throughout my studies but for me UOW College made my journey much easier than I could have ever imagined and has provided me with a much-needed boost of confidence. 

“I encourage everyone to study in such a supportive, student-oriented and friendly environment that can help you achieve your educational and personal goals. 

“I would like to dedicate my achievements to all the amazing teachers at UOW College and University of Wollongong, to my late parents who are taking care of me from above, to my Eritrean community both in Eritrea and globally in the diaspora, to my EALD teachers at Keira High School who believed in me when I had doubts in my abilities, and to all former, current and emerging refugees who have the potential to make the world a better place through education.” 

Media Contacts for this article

UOW Media Office

You may also be interested in

Robodebt not only broke the laws of the land – it also broke laws of mathematics
Boosting Illawarra’s economy, one start-up at a time
Entrepreneurs showcase local business and compete for top prizes
Services & Help
  • Current students
  • Library
  • Information technology
  • Accommodation
  • Security & safety
  • Pool, gym & retail
News, Media & Events
  • Media Centre
  • The Stand
  • Alumni Magazine
  • Research news
  • Events
  • Find an expert
Faculties
  • Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities
  • Business & Law
  • Engineering & Information Sciences
  • Science, Medicine & Health
Administration
  • Graduation
  • Environment
  • Policy directory
  • Learning and teaching
  • Financial Services
  • Access to information
  • Jobs
UOW Entities
  • Innovation Campus
  • UOW College Australia
  • UOW College Hong Kong
  • UOW in Dubai
  • UOW Global Enterprises
  • UOW Malaysia KDU
  • UOW Pulse
Connect with us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Conversation
  • Contact us
  • Feedback
  • Give to UOW

Northfields Ave Wollongong,  NSW 2522  Australia 
Phone: 1300 367 869 
International: +61 2 4221 3218 
Switchboard: +61 2 4221 3555

  • NUW Alliance: Smarter Solutions for NSW
  • University Global Partnership Network (UGPN)
  • Reconciliation Australia
  • AWEI LGBTQ inclusion awards logo

Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag

On the lands that we study, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands.

Copyright © 2023 University of Wollongong
CRICOS Provider No: 00102E | TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12062 | ABN: 61 060 567 686
Copyright & disclaimer | Privacy & cookie usage | Web Accessibility Statement

Close