By KATRINA BRANDON
CELEBRATING dedication to hard work and the completion of their degrees, Federation University Gippsland Campus sent off another lot of graduates on Tuesday, March 25.
Going through the trenches together, more than 215 Gippsland students have been set on new paths, whether to further education, the workforce, or other opportunities.
The happy occasion shed many tears, either from the speeches or just being overwhelmed by the ceremony. Breaking into tears, the most tear-provoking speech came from graduate speaker Stacey Harris, who shared intense times and feelings that each graduate had felt throughout their time at Federation University.
“Like so many people here, I began studying at Fed in what felt like a new world, so many pandemic or post-pandemic unknowns,” she said.
“With four young, wonderfully understanding kids at home, managing a busy small business with my incredibly supportive hospital. When I look back now, it seems a bit crazy, and it probably was.
“If it wasn’t the lockdowns and restrictions we were learning to navigate, it was the floods, the storms, cyclonic winds and power blackouts we were trying to overcome. The crazy times felt never-ending throughout these extraordinary situations, but also on the ordinary days we leaned on the people around us; our families, friends and communities, many of you, have joined us here today. We truly could not have done it without your support and sacrifice.”
Struggles didn’t stop there for nursing student Melissa Glasgow, as prior to being accepted into her course, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In July 2022, Ms Glasgow applied for a nursing degree and was diagnosed the next month.
“My studies coincided with one of the worst times of my life, and it probably happened for a reason because it kept me busy. It was great to have something other than cancer consuming my life,” she said.
“It was tough because I knew I’d have to have intense chemotherapy and radiation, and I didn’t know how all of that was going to pan out with studying full time, but I decided to bite the bullet and do it and see how it went. It (the degree) actually gave me a purpose and something else to focus on while I was going through my treatment and feeling really unwell.”
Ms Glasgow told the Express that her family, lecturers, and classmates supported her in completing her course.
Going to classes with a shaved head added to Ms Glasgow’s stress, especially in labs where she couldn’t wear headwear, but was soon eased by ongoing support from those around her.
“My amazing husband, who’s always very supportive, got me through the really tough times. My friends that I’ve made through uni dragged me through, and drove me to labs. I’ve met some amazing teachers here that have gone above and beyond to help me out.
“Because I let the uni know that I was in the middle of treatment, they set up a learning access plan for me, which was really great in that first year. I know that it sort of helped me with getting a placement close to home, because I was still going through treatment.”
Now in remission from cancer, her time during treatment has inspired some further pathways, whether it be as a nurse for chemotherapy or her original pathway in midwifery.
Ms Glasgow will complete her graduate year working at Bass Coast Regional Hospital until February next year.
Throughout her degree, Ms Glasgow received two scholarships, including a Federation Foundation Commencing Scholarship and a Dr EB Morgan Scholarship, which enabled her to take time out of the workforce and focus on her recovery and studies.
Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley, said he was incredibly proud of the Gippsland graduates, many of whom juggle study, work, health and caring responsibilities.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to all of our graduates and encourage each student to take a moment to reflect on their remarkable achievements, surrounded by family and friends,” Professor Bentley said.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our graduates and look forward to seeing them apply their knowledge, skills, and passion as they positively impact their communities.”
