I never wanted to come to university. In my eyes, it was a privilege for the ‘elite’. A place where families with lots of money sent their kids. Kids who won awards at school so they could become world class doctors and lawyers. Not for kids like me who fail year twelve maths. 

Nobody in my family had completed a degree, so I didn’t really see the point. Perhaps I could work in the Army like Mum or settle myself in a retail role like most of the family. I definitely didn’t have the number skills to work in a bank like Dad. There really wasn’t a lot else to choose from growing up in a small town. Teachers in high school were so pushy about applying for uni. Back then it just forced me further in the other direction. Looking back, I can see they just wanted us to get out while we were young and not settle here like most did. 

I was unsuccessful at securing permanent work during my ‘gap year’. In hindsight, I think the universe was doing me a favour. I packed up my uncertainties, told my family I loved them, and moved away. That was tough.  

Fast forward nine years, two cities, three houses and well over ten different jobs. I found myself back at square one. Restless, looking for purpose and a field of work that ignited my passion. Much of my work experience revolved around children. I was a babysitter, youth worker and teacher’s assistant for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. So, a career as a teacher or teaching assistant seemed fitting. 

So, there I was. Completely out of my comfort zone. Frantically googling ‘how to apply for uni’ and ‘is twenty-six too old to start a degree?’. I put in my application for a Bachelor of Education at the University of Newcastle, then held my breath. 

To my surprise (and disbelief), I got in!  

For the next year of my degree, I proudly announced to anybody that would listen that I was going to become a teacher. I threw myself into my studies and thrived through every creative project. I gritted my teeth when a lecturer would comment that, “over half of you won’t make it through to next year”.  

I would chat with customers who were teachers and received an overwhelming response. “It’s not too late to change your mind” and “the only thing that keeps me going is the kids.”  

I felt so overwhelmed and angry. The workload was heavy and the creative projects gradually diminished. Every hope I had for one day implementing change into the curriculum vanished. What had I got myself into?  

One week into my third semester and I lost all motivation. I dropped one of my courses before the Census date and held on for dear life while thinking of what to do next. Perhaps it was pure stubbornness, wanting to be the first member of my family with a degree under their belt. I had too much pride to be seen as ‘giving up’ because I suddenly couldn’t hack it anymore. 

I blew up every phone of those closest to me searching for answers. What should I do? What am I good at? Where can you see me working 3 years from now? The overwhelming response from each person was ‘something creative’. I’ve spent most of my life taking photos and writing as a hobby, alongside my ‘real jobs’. Because writing blogs and poems or photographing landscapes and people could never provide a living wage. Right? 

I frantically searched for degrees and came across Bachelor of Communication. There it was. Everything I was passionate about all rolled into one. I cannot stress enough how crucial AskUON and Program Advice were to get me here. I emailed them about how to switch degrees and carry over credits from my education courses. They organised a face-to-face appointment to help me map out my new program plan.  

As a naturally anxious person I meet with a Program Advisor every semester. We go through my program plan, check for changes to my degree and discuss any changes I want to make. Program Advisors can chat with your Program Convener to adjust your program in a way that suits you best. 

As all this was going on, I decided it was time for a career refresh. I had been told by other students during my first Welcome Week that looking for a job on campus is a MUST! Amazing pay, networking opportunities and great for the resume. The uni is also right around the corner from my home, I’d be crazy not to! I checked out the Jobs on Campus website and Facebook page  before finding a role that stopped me in my tracks. ‘Content Creator for Navigator’. 

In all honestly, it sounded too good to be true. You mean, I get to take photos, make videos and write articles, when it suits me, and get paid for it? Sign me up! The truth is, I didn’t apply straight away. If you’ve ever experienced imposter syndrome, you’ll know what I mean. Though I had spent my life creating written and visual content for fun, I didn’t think I was skilled enough for the role. 

With the job deadline getting closer and my frustration at work growing, I booked an appointment with the Careers Service. I sat down with them and told them all about my prior work and experience. They helped me update my resume, write a cover letter and said I’d be crazy not to apply.  

The biggest thing they said that stuck with me was ‘this is a student role, they’re not looking for a professional’. Meaning, you don’t need to have years of experience up your sleeve. You just need the right attitude and passion. Student jobs are here for you to gain experience, network, meet people and develop your skills. 

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Within a matter of months, I had completely redirected my life. I changed my degree, landed my new job as a Navigator (yew!), and for the first time in my life, I was pursuing my passion.  

I’m twenty-nine now and a year and a half into my communications degree. Still working and gaining experience in the communications field. I’ve received a promotion and started a photography business. Created a website, produced short films, and successfully published my own articles. 

I’ve learned through this whole experience that it’s 100% OK if you don’t know what you ‘want to do’. And it’s OK to change direction and start from nothing. There is no right path and the journey itself is a testament to your growth and resilience.  

For anyone else feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unhappy. I urge you to embrace the unknown and trust the journey. Get advice from friends, family and utilise uni support networks and resources. Who knows, it could be the best decision you ever make. 

Feature Image: Created using Adobe Firefly and Photoshop