In front of family, friends and peers graduates were celebrated and recognised for their hard work and dedication to their studies.

Education graduate Kayla Edwards said graduating was a great milestone as it means she can now become a teacher.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher and now graduating I am so excited to being doing what I love,” Kayla said.

“Teaching is my passion and I can’t wait to around kids all day and be teaching them.

“I have really enjoyed my time at university and the smaller classes have given me a range of different opportunities and my whole experience has been awesome.”

Kayla said topping her cohort for highest GPA was a big surprise. 

“I know I was doing well right through my degree but there were a number of us that were doing really well so I had no idea that I would get the highest GPA,” she said.

“It was a big surprise and a shock but I guess my passion really shone through and got me over the line.”

Kayla has accepted a job offer to continue working at Nambucca Heads Public School in 2019.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said April’s story was a testament to the dedicated students choosing the support of the University of Newcastle to achieve their goals.

“April’s commitment to giving back to her community is a wonderful example of our students working to make a difference,” Professor Zelinsky said. 

“Reaching graduation is a significant milestone for all our students, their families and the University. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication, and a moment to be incredibly proud of.

“I congratulate all our hard-working graduates on this huge achievement in their lives and share their excitement for the next chapter.”

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