AFTER years of hard work, a group of more than 40 Federation University students are set to take on the world with varying degrees and diplomas under their belt.
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A graduation ceremony was held for Federation University students graduating from courses spanning from bachelor degrees in nursing and education to TAFE diplomas in early childhood and hairdressing.
Among the students graduating was Federation University nursing student Emma Hawker.
Ms Hawker completed her Bachelor of Nursing and has already secured a job at Warrnambool Base Hospital as a nurse in the theatre and surgical ward.
Ms Hawker completed her diploma in nursing before deciding to embark on the undergraduate degree two years ago.
The 23-year-old said had always aspired to follow in the footsteps of mother and become a nurse.
“My was a nurse all her life so it was something which came naturally to me when I was working out what I wanted to do,” Ms Hawker said.
“I was drawn to the career choice because I’ve always wanted to do a job where I am able to help people.”
Ms Hawker said it was satisfying to see three years of hard work finally pay off.
“I’m going to miss all the friends I have made but I definitely won’t miss the study,” she laughed.
“I think all the students graduating were looking forward to the next stage.”
Head of the Wimmera Campus Geoff Lord said it was an emotional and exciting day for departing students and their families.
He said the graduation ceremony in Wimmera was one of 11 similar events held across Victoria in recent weeks.
He said the turn out for the event at the revamped Town Hall was “extraordinary”.
“Of the 48 students graduating we had 40 in attendance at the graduation ceremony,” he said.
“It was a formal graduation but it also had a real family and Wimmera feel to it. It was a celebration of all the students hard work and welcomed them into the next phase of their lives.”
The event was led by nursing student Yvonne Lo who had the role of the ceremony’s mace bearer.
He said after the ceremony the students were led by a piper onto a procession out on the surrounding streets.
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Heather Phillips attended along with crowds of hundreds of staff, students, their families and friends.