As a new mum to a five-month-old girl and fresh from quitting her job in hospitality, Bree Glasbergen nervously set foot on UniSC’s Sunshine Coast campus in 2021 unsure if university was ‘meant’ for her.
She has now graduated as a published writer with a Bachelor of Arts and the Chancellor’s Medal, awarded for her outstanding roles in both the UniSC community and the wider region.
“It feels surreal to know I’ve achieved so much in the space of a few years – I’m deeply grateful to those who encouraged, supported, and volunteered alongside me,” Bree said.
“If your heart keeps tugging you towards further study, listen to it. I wish I had listened to mine far sooner. With courage and grit, you can achieve your dreams.”
Bachelor of Creative Industries
With USC’s Bachelor of Creative Industries, you will develop specialist technical and creative skills along with an entrepreneurial mindset. Combine a wide range of study areas, including theatre and performance, creative writing and publishing, screen media, music, fashion studies, creative advertising, animation and visual design, visual communication and interactive and UX design, social media, game design.
Juggling motherhood and studying is a tricky business.
But also founding a writer’s group, presiding over a parents and guardians club, organising charity events, networking events, balls, writing workshops and volunteering in the local arts community – while maintaining a 6.77 out of 7 grade point average – is something else entirely.
But Bree believes all that involvement in the UniSC student community, is a huge part of why she flourished.
And why she’s coming back to complete her Master of Creative Arts.
“I wish to pursue a career in academia as creative practitioner/researcher. I hope one day to take my love for the arts and governance into politics to advocate for marginalised voices.
“The warmth and kindness extended by the student body and staff on campus enveloped me in a sense of belonging, making me feel embraced and valued. The more you are engaged in university, the more you get out of it,” she said.
Being a proud mum – to her now three-year-old daughter – also prompted Bree to work hard to make campus life easier for other parents.
“My resolve to create a better life for my daughter fuelled me with the grit and determination to push for my dreams. I wanted to show her anything is possible, even graduating as a mature-age student,” she said.
“Studying with a baby presented distinct challenges. Discovering UniSC's significant demographic of studying parents and receiving the support of the MaDs (student parents and guardians) community was profoundly encouraging.
“This inspired me to create initiatives like distributing newborn packs and, in conjunction with the UniSC Student Guild, an entire pallet of nappies to fellow studying parents.”
In recognition of both her remarkable academic accomplishments and community contributions, Bree has been awarded the Chancellor’s Medal at her graduation ceremony.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said Bree has made a distinguished contribution to academic excellence and the UniSC community.
“Bree’s drive and academic rigour, paired with her determination to create a positive experience for fellow students and make a difference in her community, embody the values upon which the Chancellor’s Medal is based,” Professor Bartlett said.
“I’d like to congratulate her on this tremendous achievement.”
Bree joined more than 1,600 students who graduated at UniSC’s Sunshine Coast campus, across two days of ceremonies.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au