Caitie

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)

Mechanical engineering is a field offering endless possibilities, and Caitie knew that the University of Newcastle was the perfect place to explore them. She chose to study a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering because of the broad range of job opportunities it offers.

Caitie says the personalised support she’s received has been instrumental in her academic success. She’s excited about the diverse career paths her degree opens up. “The academics and tutors are incredibly supportive, and the small class sizes mean that we get more one-on-one time with our academics. This lets us thrive individually and get to know our teachers,” she said.

One of Caitie’s favourite aspects of her degree is the broad range of subjects and workshop spaces. “In my first year I got to study a little bit of civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. We also got to make a wind turbine, which we were able to test in a wind tunnel in the workshop,” she said.

Proud of her academic successes, Caitie feels her time at the University of Newcastle has been transformative.

“Living on-campus has enriched my life, giving me a community and even professional experience as a Residential Mentor. I‘ve achieved a GPA of 6.0, received an equity scholarship, and made it to the College Commendation List. These achievements aren’t just personal milestones – they’re a testament to the supportive environment here. Whether I choose teaching or engineering in the mines, I know my degree has prepared me for a bright future,” she said.

Leroy

Bachelor of Medical Science/ Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

Embarking on his journey to become a doctor, Leroy has received immense support during his studies from the University, fellow students he’s connected with through the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, and the Wollotuka Institute.

As an Aboriginal man from Gadigal land, Leroy knew he wanted to work in a field where he could make an impact on his own people. Taking an alternative pathway into university, Leroy joined the Miroma Bunbilla Program, a pre-entry pathway to the Joint Medical Program for Indigenous students. Having successfully completed the pre-entry program, Leroy is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (JMP).

“My time studying at the University of Newcastle has been full of different experiences and opportunities, and I can confidently say the great majority of those have been positive. Simply, the University of Newcastle is a friendly and supportive environment. For me, it’s a place I’m more than happy to thrive in.”

These support systems have ensured Leroy’s been able to navigate the ups and downs that come with studying. They’ve provided exciting experiences that have built his personal identity and left him with a “chunky list of memorable moments.”

While Leroy has not yet decided on his area of specialisation in the medical field, he is confident that the skills he has gained will prepare him for any pathway he chooses after graduating. No matter what he decides, his primary goal is to make a positive impact in the community.

Bella

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Bella, a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student, has immersed herself in every opportunity university life has to offer.

“Studying at the University of Newcastle has been an amazing journey full of new people, immersive learning experiences, and lots of fun. I’ve made so many new friends from the classes and clubs I’ve joined, and I’ve found a supportive community of tutors and lecturers along the way,” she said.

Bella is enjoying the wide variety of collaboration and career-ready placement opportunities that she’s experienced during her degree. From group work to collaborating with teachers in the field on placement, Bella is well prepared to educate young minds following her graduation.

“I’ve been given so many opportunities to gain real experience. At placement I was able to collaborate with other teachers and pull together resources to learn how to best teach a classroom of students,” she said.

One of Bella’s highlights of her degree was using our state-of-the-art virtual classroom, Simteach. “Simteach was a great opportunity for me. I was able to learn how to best structure our lessons and then gain feedback on areas of improvement before going on my first placement,” she said.

Bella expanded her social circle at university by joining one of our many clubs. “The University of Newcastle has so many clubs and societies on offer for all kinds of people. I’ve really loved being a part of Historia, a club for ancient history enthusiasts. It’s really helped me connect with people who have similar interests to myself and I’ve also found it’s related to my studies,” she said.

Being on placement opened Bella’s eyes to the possibilities after graduation. “After graduation, I am excited about teaching in a rural or remote school community, as I’ve previously come from that environment and hope to give back,” she said.