Pursuing my dream at QUT

Five years ago, I left my country, my family and my friends to pursue a dream.  A dream that seemed impossible and that many people doubted me and sometimes myself. I made sure to pack my bags with a lot of hope, enthusiasm and effort, to always have a dose of strength and not to give up no matter how difficult it would be.

I started with an English course in which I put a lot of effort until I got the Certificate in Advanced English from Cambridge. I was quite happy with that achievement but a new question invaded my mind... what is next? I always wanted to study design but I never got the chance before. I did a certificate 4 in Digital media, where I learned some design tools and that reassured my desire to pursue the design profession. I felt it was time for me to take the next step, I was ready to go to university and study what I always wanted, design.

Design for me is more than just aesthetics. Design is a way of thinking and a tool that has a huge impact on society. For me, design is a continuous journey to create simple, attractive and meaningful experiences.

My QUT journey

I started my Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) in 2019 and it was great to finally be able to study something that I really am passionate about. I was fortunate to get the International Merit Scholarship and I put a lot of effort into keeping up with my grades so I could maintain my scholarship all throughout my degree.

Starting at QUT was a little bit overwhelming at first and it took me a few weeks to really understand how the tertiary education system works. Once you know how everything works, it is much easier to relax a bit and enjoy the journey. I had a great time studying at QUT. I made a lot of my friends from different parts of the world. I was rewarded for my effort along the course not just at the end. I participate in different activities such as swimming and netball. I always felt as if I was at home.

There were many good moments studying at QUT. Going to Woodford in my first year for a design-intensive camp, using design to collaborate on the solution of real-world problems, winning two people's choice awards for my design solutions and winning the iXDA Brisbane Student Pitch Competition. Even after graduating, I feel like my journey at QUT has not ended.  I  was nominated by QUT design school to participate in the Design Institute of Australia Design Graduates of the Year Award. This is an award for emerging designers, created to support and celebrate exceptional Australian designers as they embark on their careers. I was lucky to be shortlisted and I was the State winner for Queensland. I progressed to the national round but I didn’t win however it was a great honour and experience.

Graduation success.

Upon my graduation I was awarded the QUT university medal. This award is a great honour and means a lot to me because it is a huge recognition for my effort throughout my course. However, It is also a recognition of my previous studies in Australia as all of them led me to this point. I felt very excited, moved and proud of myself when I received this award. I always wanted to study design and I finally got the chance to do it.

I was very fortunate to find a job in the industry after the first year of my degree. That opportunity helped me to apply all the knowledge and skills acquired in the real world. After graduating I also got a job at QUT as a tutor teaching Tangible media and Visual Communications Design. I love sharing my own experience and skills with other students.

My next step

Recently I came across an opportunity to do a PhD working with a project with the Department of Transport and Main Roads in Brisbane. My topic is called; Design for Innovation: Shaping the Future of city transport.  I’m very excited to embark on this new study journey with QUT and build on my research skills and improve my knowledge.

I feel that this is just the start of my career and I know I still have so much to learn. My goal for the future is to keep studying and learning more design tools and ways to express my ideas. Professionally, I would like to gain more design experience by working in a design team, the collaborative aspect is really important to me. I also have some design projects in mind, I would like to start doing storybooks and fairy tales for kids. I also want to keep exploring other aspects of design like interactive physical experiences and augmented reality experiences.

Follow your dreams

Deciding on studying overseas is a huge decision to make but I am sure you will not regret studying at QUT. My advice is not to overthink it, if you have the chance to come to Australia to study, QUT is by far one of the best options! I know coming to a new country is always exciting but never forget why you came here. Try to keep a balance in your life but remember your priority should always be your studies. Believe me, there will be always time to work, relax or have fun. Make the most of your university experience. University helps you think about your future career, help you think as a designer, network with other designers and become one yourself. Do you best and put yourself out there and seize the opportunities.

If someone is reading this and has doubts about their dreams, I want to tell them not to give up, and to continue because it is possible. Impossible just means that it hasn't been done yet.