"The universe wants us to be brave": Melbourne grad marks courage, achievement
They've finished their studies, and new CQUniversity graduates have taken pause of their achievements at the latest Melbourne Graduation, across two big ceremonies on Thursday, 15 August.
Nearly 1000 graduates crossed the stage at the Melbourne Convention Centre, cheered on by family, friends, colleagues and CQUniversity supporters.
For the majority of graduates, their study journey began by leaving their home country – just the first leap of faith in a brave new chapter.
Graduating with her Master of Public Health, graduate response speaker Julia Macedo Cesarano da Rocha described the determination of the cohort.
"You are only here today because you decided, 'yes you can'!" she said.
Moving from Brazil to study, the qualified vet described hard days juggling study with work, and her pride in her achievements.
She also highlighted joining the campus life committee as a game-changer for creating new friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
"I always thought, 'what girls in Brazil would give to have the opportunities I was having' – so never take what you've experienced and earned for granted.
"Now we are finally graduating, I'm now 100 per cent aware the universe wants us to be brave."
For the second graduate response, Master of Information Technology graduate and Study Melbourne Ambassador Nischal Niroula said a "new Nischal" emerged through his study journey.
"When I first moved from Nepal, I was grappling with severe depression, panic attacks...and I hit rock bottom.
"Somehow, I managed to overcome those challenges, and now, just a year and a half later, I’m representing my fellow graduates."
Since finishing studies, Mr Niroula has secured a role as an AI software engineer at PRSNTR, and he credited CQUniversity lecturers, staff and fellow students for his success.
"It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has played a role in helping me become the best version of myself."
The ceremonies also saw doctorates awarded, to Dr Karen Luke, Dr Balasooriya Prasanna, Dr Dorita Nhongo, Dr Meghan Ambrens, Dr Pubudu Gamage and Dr Georgia Tuckwell.
In graduating, the former students joined a 130,000-strong community of CQUniversity alumni across the globe.
