🎓 I'm feeling incredibly proud to see this in my inbox today! After four rewarding years (including one gap year) at the University of Wollongong, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially graduated with a Bachelor of Communication & Media (Visual Communication Design) — with Distinction!
This past year has been one of the most challenging & transformative years of my life. Balancing full-time work as a Marketing Graphic Designer at Accelo while completing full-time university studies was no small feat. At the start of the year, I was told, “Just do uni part-time. Full-time work & study will be too much.” But with the support of those around me & determination, I’m proud to say, “I did it!” For anyone considering taking on the same challenge, here are a few reflections & lessons that might help you along the way:
Not every minute of every day needs to be dedicated to work or study. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s easy to fall into the trap of constant productivity, but it’s a fast track to burnout. Take a break. Get outside, move your body, or let yourself brain rot on the couch. Your mind & body will thank you.
This year, I’ve grown more than ever in my personal & professional values. For me, these values are transparency, honesty, teamwork, drive, & a passion to create meaningful change. If you’re not aligned with what’s important to you, you’ll feel it. Staying true to your values makes every challenge feel more purposeful.
I’ll be honest — submitting work that didn’t meet my own “perfect” standards was tough. As a graphic designer & (ex) university student, I’m used to pushing for excellence in everything I do. But this year taught me that “good enough” is sometimes just that — good enough. Chasing perfectionism can risk your well-being. Sometimes, it’s better to submit the 90% version than miss the deadline entirely.
This one’s huge. It’s easy to lose touch with friends & family when you’re juggling so much, but don’t underestimate the power of your support system. I leaned on my friends, family, tutors, & mentors more than ever. Venting, asking for advice, or having someone to listen can make a world of difference. People want to help — let them. Thank you to everyone who stood by me & supported me through this journey — I’m forever grateful for you.
If you’re considering taking on the challenge of full-time work & full-time study, here’s my biggest takeaway: plan for the chaos, but trust that you’ll adapt. It’s not going to be easy, but you’ll walk away with resilience, discipline, & time management skills that will benefit you in every part of your life. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Here’s to growth & graduation! 🎓
