More than 500 University of Tasmania Launceston campus students graduate
Years of work have led up to it, but now, more than 500 university students have officially graduated. All the colour from the first lot of University of Tasmania graduation ceremonies.
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Staying up late to finish assignments and cramming for exams has paid off for the more than 500 people who graduated from the University of Tasmania in Launceston on Thursday.
Among those was cricketing legend Ricky Ponting, who received an honorary degree during a graduation ceremony in Launceston.
Around 100 staff and students also hit the pavement in the town and gown parade through the Launceston CBD.
Erin Walker was one of those who graduated on Thursday.
She graduated with a Diploma of University Studies and will begin a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and sociology next year.
“I feel like it’s a sense of relief, but also a new beginning because I come from a background where I never thought I’d be graduating from anything,” Ms Walker said.
“I never formally finished college or high school, so I didn’t have an ATAR and didn’t think I would be studious enough to actually sit through a university course.
“That’s when I discovered alternative pathways into university where they would ease you in and teach you how to properly write your essays, get your science skills up, do numeracy, and have it so you can actually feel comfortable to get the skills and disciple to actually complete and finish a degree.
“That’s something that I never had prior to going to university; the discipline and knowledge to get any sort of higher-level degree.”
Ms Walker had some advice for those contemplating entering university.
“Give it a crack. You don’t know until you try,” she said.
“There are definitely a few entry-level options that are quite accessible to almost anyone.”
The graduation ceremonies for Hobart students will be taking place next week.
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