HeyU Issue 13 - 22 August 2014 | Page 5

USQ international student Dolly chose to come to Australia and study at USQ all the way from India because she didn’t want to be treated as “just another number.” Having no friends or family in Australia except her brother, Dolly was excited but anxious about the big move. Travelling overseas to study and leaving everything she knew behind seemed overwhelming and she wasn’t sure how she would manage to handle all the extra responsibilities she now had, without the strong support system she had back home in India. as well as studying her Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree, majoring in Civil Engineering. In the past, she also worked as a Student Representative for Engineering and Surveying. Dolly says she loves working at USQ because she feels like she is working at home. Once she started at USQ however, Dolly more than found her feet. It wasn’t long before she started attending many of the social events held on-campus and she began volunteering her time at the uni she now calls home. These experiences gave Dolly the opportunity to develop friendships as well as more professional connections and these helped to eventually secure several paid positions working at USQ. Once she graduates, Dolly would love to work full time and travel. Dolly currently works as an Orientation Leader, Student Ambassador, Meet-up leader and ICT Service Desk worker, Being so involved with campus and student life has really helped Dolly settle into life in Australia and life as a USQ student. She says that ‘Now, I just feel like I belong here and I love it when everyone knows me. Everyone here is so caring and friendly’. DOLLY’S TOP STUDY TIPS: • Never be afraid of trying something new • You will never know how something would have turned out unless you try it • Every experience is a step to success