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Animated future for talented tennis player
University of the Sunshine Coast graduand Jamie Zafir, 22, of Mooloolaba has just finished one of the most exciting periods of his life.
While tackling the final subjects of a degree in Computer-Based Design at USC this semester, Jamie represented Australia at the Deaflympics in Taipei in September.
Although the talented tennis player did not reach the finals at the international event, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience which helped push his singles world ranking up to 26 and his doubles ranking to 24.
Jamie praised the University of the Sunshine Coast for understanding his sporting commitments and for providing him with note-takers for lectures and tutorials.
He said he was particularly grateful to academics who granted him assignment deadline extensions this semester to help him catch up after attending the Deaflympics.
“The lecturers at USC are fabulous,” he said. “They are really nice and they do their jobs very well. And the facilities here are excellent.”
The former Mountain Creek State High School student, who works at Sizzlers Restaurant at Maroochydore, said he had always planned to go to university.
He said the location of USC on the Sunshine Coast had provided him with the best option for his sporting and work requirements and for proximity to his family.
Through his degree, Jamie has developed skills in designing magazines, posters and graphic devices, and has had his work featured in an exhibition at the USC Gallery.
His real passion, though, is for animation and he plans to specialise in this area through further study and in his future career.
Jamie’s university experience also included representing USC at the Northern University Games in 2006, at which the USC tennis team claimed a bronze medal.
— Terry Walsh