“I was averaging high distinctions while studying 5 subjects, so I thought I should be able to continue with the same momentum and finish uni early.”
An exceptional start to UTS learning
Grace was not your average university student. Her journey from the start of uni was inspiring and unique and promised great rewards in the end. Recently, Grace graduated with a degree in Software Engineering and Mathematics, 1 year ahead of time, in a journey that was by no means easy.
“I started my course in 2020, during the pandemic, when we were all online. I enrolled in 30 credit points, which was equivalent to 5 subjects. I didn’t realize that enrolling in 20 credit points was the regular course load (equivalent to 4 subjects) until I got to my second year. I was averaging high distinctions while studying 5 subjects, so upon realizing that I should be enrolled in 4 subjects, I thought to myself I don’t need to slow my journey down. I should be able to continue with the same momentum and finish uni early. So, I did, and my grades continued to be good throughout my degree.”
Her honours project for her final year focused on Generative AI and Copyright Law.
Choosing a rewarding course at UTS
Grace was keen on studying medicine at uni while in high school, until she stumbled upon a software design development subject which presented a new interest that she gladly pursued.
I realised I love to solve problems and tackle codes when we were introduced to software design development in high school. At the time, I was also studying accelerated mathematics because I loved math from when I was a kid. Studying both subjects simultaneously, software design development and mathematics, solidified my interests in tackling math and solving problems. This made my choice for a uni course easier hence why I settled for Software Engineering and Mathematics.
Once she knew what she wanted to start, Grace began to research different unis to find one that would allow her to pursue the course of her dreams. She quickly settled with UTS for two main reasons, “UTS allowed me to study both software engineering and math, and it was located close to home.”
A memorable and life changing UTS experience
Grace believes her time at UTS was irreplaceable, particularly her on and off-campus experiences.
“For two years I studied online, and for the remaining two years, I was on campus. The online experience taught me discipline as I learnt to manage my own time and study. This was a very valuable lesson to learn. The on-campus experience fostered face-to-face interactions, which was also a great experience, as I solidified friendships and bonds that were built virtually. It was also great to learn at our uni facilities that sum up a wholesome campus life experience.”
Grace also enjoyed a great opportunity that built her work experience journey.
"I taught 2nd to 4th year students three subjects each semester; two of which were core units. These students studied different kinds of degrees like IT, Computing Science and Game Development. I loved that a career as an academic was introduced through my teachings. My campus days would generally comprise of me being on campus 4/5 days a week for work and study and to meet some students who needed further help on some units.”
Grace was also fortunate enough to secure a graduate program for next year outside of UTS to bolster her work experience in software engineering. She still hopes to continue teaching even if she will be working outside of campus.
A commendable and admirable finish to UTS learning
“I was privileged to inspire different people along the way as a uni student, my younger siblings included. I think my youngest sister wants to study for a degree like mine, which is beautiful to know. I would encourage potential Software Engineering and Mathematics students to explore their interests thoroughly, and seize every opportunity even when doubt creeps in. There’s no harm in trying a new thing and giving it a go. You only get one chance to make the most of your study period at each phase in your learning life.”
Learn more about UTS Flexible Engineering and UTS Women in Engineering and IT.
