So, what's your story?

Chantal, 34

At 19, I found myself pregnant. I was inexperienced, young and free, and my world turned upside down. My daughter’s now 14, and she finishes school in three years. So, I've immersed myself in three years of university so we can finish school together on a high note.

For the last 20 years, I've been working as a hospitality ‘genius’. Life has thrown me a lot of curveballs, but I'm here now and really excited. I feel a little bit overwhelmed, but I'm keen to get into the swing of uni and immerse into sports and all the groups. I plan to just enjoy the ride and the immersion of study, even if it feels like a lot in the beginning.

I didn't ever think I'd make it here. Now I can fully give back to myself, I'm a little bit more mature, I feel like this is my time… it's my time to shine. I'm feeling empowered.

Being here today is surreal. I've been planting the seed for roughly eight months. It took for me to hear other people's journeys with university, seeing how much fun they had and how much it can change a person's lifestyle, and the positivity that comes with a career. I've always been career minded, but I never put myself out there.

This year, I was determined I would create action. I had enough of hitting rock bottom. I also had enough of being in hospitality, I know my worth and that I can grow. I want the freedom to have my weekends, to enjoy my time on the planet as much as I can. I'm so ready.

For me, a ‘better tomorrow’ means spreading love and awareness of human connection and interaction. In a business-minded sense, I feel we need to create those avenues where people can feel the love, and feel welcome, and feel amazing, even if they have nothing. That’s my message and that's what I want to leave uni with.

Chantal is studying a Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Human Resources Management

Chantal is studying a Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Human Resources Management

"I'm super excited to be starting my first uni degree, I didn't ever think I'd make it. Life has thrown me a lot of curveballs. But I'm here now and I'm really excited. I've got a few nerves, but I'm fully looking forward to this... it's my time to shine."

Lilly, studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries, and Marcel, studying Creative Industries and Business at UniSC's Sunshine Coast campus.

Lilly, 18

My focus is on literature, creative writing and publishing. I just love writing stories, so I figured why not? The decision to do creative industries was quite easy, but the decision to go to uni wasn't something I thought I would ever do. I've always worked on cattle properties and horse properties, so I’m more of a practical person (than academic). I’m hoping to gain creative skills through uni, and to maybe get a job in the publishing industry.

I’m most nervous about meeting people, unlike my friend Marcel (who loves to talk to people). I’m most excited about getting started and just getting into it!

When I think of a better tomorrow, it’s a collective thing, not just for me as an individual. Through creative writing, I hope to reach the people around me through the stories I tell.

Marcel, 19

There's always been in my family the expectation of going to uni, so it’s something I’ve been excited for going through high school.

My mother is a psychiatrist and both my grandparents were as well. My mum has always said since I was a kid, ‘You can be anything you want... just don't be a doctor' (laughs).

Creative industries is a personal interest. I like art, design and writing and I hope to pursue these passions at uni. Adding the business was a bit more pragmatic, and I do like administration and human resources.

In starting uni today, I'm most excited about making new friends. I really like to talk to people. I’m most nervous about the organisational aspects of uni, as I tend to procrastinate.

There are a lot of struggles in the world now, a lot of ways people my age – and younger –do struggle. For me, a ‘better tomorrow’ means being able to touch other people's minds and hearts in the way that mine has been, through writing and art, and just doing my best to help other people make their lives better.

Zarion, 18

I was born in Papua New Guinea and have been in Australia for around six years now. It was a really big change moving countries, but I think I adapted to it really well, and I love everything about the Sunshine Coast.

I didn’t really think about university in high school, as I really struggled there and didn’t finish – I got to Year 10. Mainly because it felt like we were forced to be there, it wasn't a choice and what we were learning wasn't our choice... it made it hard for me as a student to want to learn. A lot of my peers were all over the place in the class, it was rowdy and noisy.

Then I decided to come here (UniSC) because it makes me feel a part of something. My main goal is to come out of this program with an ATAR and then work on becoming an actor, maybe doing theatre studies, voice work or something creative.

This is my second go at starting TPP. The first time I rushed into it with all these really high expectations of myself. I went in with four courses, including business (because I wanted to make money) and statistics (‘cause that’s a useful thing to know), and then I realised ‘Oh, this is going to burn me out… and I don’t actually want this.’

Now, it’s a new year and I decided to give it another shot, thanks to one of my friends who inspired me. And I picked some courses that I resonate with. I didn’t want to just give up.

I think a better tomorrow is where everyone can work together… there's no comparison between people and whether someone's better or smarter than you, recognising each other's flaws and using our strengths and instincts to build each other up.

Zarion is starting UniSC's Tertiary Preparation Pathway program

Zarion is starting UniSC's Tertiary Preparation Pathway program

"I’m most looking forward to learning, and being involved socially, feeling like I'm part of the world."

Jemma and Chloe are both studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Jemma and Chloe are both starting a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at UniSC's Sunshine Coast campus

Jemma, 18

At first, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go. I always knew I wanted to be in the health sector, but I never knew which route to go down because there's so many in health. I spoke to my teachers who helped me along the way, and I decided to go with occupational therapy, because it's helping people in their day-to-day lives.

I’m from Brisbane – like Chloe – and I played hockey as well. It was a total coincidence (but a really good one) when I found out that Chloe was also going to uni on the Sunshine Coast and starting the exact same course. We didn’t know anyone else here, so it was great news.

I’m most nervous about just getting used to the uni lifestyle, it's such a big jump from high school… and I’m not from the area, so meeting new people. But I'm looking forward to learning about a career I will enjoy, because in high school it seemed like I was going through a never-ending routine… wake up, go to school, get back from school. But this feels like I’m studying something I want to learn about.

For me, a better tomorrow means there's always going to be better days, so if you struggle one day, the next isn't necessarily going to be the same. Uni is going to be different day to day.

Chloe, 18

Originally I'm from Brisbane, but I’ve always gravitated towards the beach, that’s what interested me in UniSC originally. My career choice was more of a challenge, I didn't really figure that out until the end of year 12.

l love my sport, and I was talking to my guidance counsellor who listed a few things which sounded a lot like me. Occupational therapy was one of them. I told her a story about how I broke my thumb playing hockey and had to do some rehab for it. It was the funniest thing, but I really loved watching everybody else in the room going through ‘thumb rehab’… they were all doing thumbs up and down.

I'm most excited about getting into uni. I'm really interested to start something I have a passion for and that will work towards my future, where I can see an outcome. I'm new to the Sunshine Coast so I’m most nervous about finding new friends and getting familiar with the area.

Jemma and I are friends from hockey club, and coincidentally she texted me saying, ‘Hey, I heard from our coach that you're going to UniSC as well.’ And I was like, ‘thank God’.

To me, a ‘better tomorrow’ means improving myself every day and taking the opportunities that uni will give me, putting myself out there. I'm not naturally outgoing, but I know it's the best way to get myself the best opportunities, so that's what I'll be working on.

Kaydence, 20

As the first in my family to go to university, it feels empowering knowing I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone rather than just staying comfortable.

My dad is doing a counselling diploma at TAFE and he said to me, ‘You know, I just might go to uni, go the extra mile.’ I'd like to think I inspired him.

I’m doing psychology because I really want to learn how the brain works. I have a great passion to help people, it’s something I've wanted to do my whole life. I've seen the brunt of how mental health affects people, and I want to learn why stuff like this happens, and maybe someday in the future, know how to change things and help that person.

I felt anxious about starting, especially because I don't know anyone that goes to this uni, and I hate going to really crowded places on my own, so that was a challenge.

Today I'm very, very excited. I've already done one semester and that was great. I'm enjoying it a lot because I'm learning so much. I can already see my future.

I think if you push yourself, go the extra mile, tomorrow can be better. Every day is different, just take it day by day.

Jake, 21

Kaydence and I first met as work colleagues, and now we’re friends and studying at UniSC Moreton Bay together. She is very supportive of me and makes sure I'm keeping healthy and staying on the right track. She helps me make better decisions and reminds me if I’m going to regret doing something, or not doing it. She’ll make a great psychologist one day.

I was studying psychology, but it felt too much like exposure therapy for me and I wasn't ready. I decided to change course, so I’m starting a degree in marketing and screen media which I’ve always found interesting. It’s a different type of creativity that I want to try out. I'm really excited to learn different ways to produce marketing ideas and learn what it's like to be part of a project team working towards an end goal.

For me, a ‘better tomorrow’ is always looking forward to what the next day brings, even though times will get difficult and stressful, there'll be hiccups along the road and not everything runs smoothly. But you’ve got to stick to it and hope for the best out of tomorrow because no day is ever going to be the same.

Kaydence is starting a Bachelor of Psychology, and Jake is starting a degree in Marketing and Screen Media

Manar is studying a Bachelor of Criminology

Manar is studying a Bachelor of Criminology

Manar, 20

I wanted to become a police officer back in Sweden where I'm from, but it’s hard to get into the system. My family encouraged me to study abroad, and I thought, ‘I’ve got the grades, why not?’

I arrived in Australia four days ago. I chose Australia because it had everything I wanted, the weather, the people, and the studies.

Back where I grew up in Sweden, there was a lot of crime, mostly by kids. A lot of my friends, when they reached 11, they dropped out of school and started selling drugs. I tried to stop them, but I couldn't… it kind of got to me, that I couldn't do anything about it. I thought, let me help future kids.

I hope with my degree to inspire youth, to help them choose a better way, help them chase their dreams. Drugs won't get you anywhere, doing them or selling them. I want to inspire kids to stay away from that, or inspire them to get out of it, get a job, study become better in life.

I’m most excited about meeting people, making connections and seeing how the Australian system works. I’m most nervous about failing because I've come from so far away and I’ve put a lot of time into getting here.

A ‘better tomorrow’ for me is helping this generation become better for the next generation.

Geraint, 36

I studied conservation in college in my home country of Wales, 13 years ago. My wife's Australian which is what led me here, I've been in Queensland now for the last two years.

Since college, I've worked in the construction industry as a senior Environment and Sustainability advisor. But I have a particular passion for wildlife, and specifically rewilding, and megafauna... I'm kind of obsessed with it.

I live in the Moreton Bay Area, this is my local university and it's got a really good reputation. I came to the open day, I was really impressed with the tutors and lecturers, and everyone was really nice. I decided to take the leap and do the course. So I'm excited.

I work full time, as well as being a full-time husband and parent (of a five year old son). So it'll be a bit of a challenge. I'm studying part time, and even though I'd love to get a degree under my belt as soon as possible, all I care about is the fact that I'm actually starting to do it. I really enjoy learning in general and I'm keen to learn more about the field of animal ecology and see where that takes me.

I want to make the world a better place not just because I've got a young son, but for everyone and for nature. I love animals and nature in general. We all know what condition the world is in at the moment... we need to do better and I'm keen to play a small (hopefully a big) part to get us where we need to be.

Geraint is starting a Bachelor of Animal Ecology at UniSC Moreton Bay

Geraint is starting a Bachelor of Animal Ecology at UniSC Moreton Bay

"I've known for a long time I wanted to do this but - it's a bit like having kids - there's never a perfect time. If you know you really want to do something, just jump in and do it... and the uni has been very supportive."

Peter is starting a Bachelor of Animal Ecology at UniSC

Peter is starting a Bachelor of Animal Ecology at UniSC

Peter, 20

I was studying marine biology at a different university, but sea sickness became a real problem for me. UniSC offers animal ecology, which is a much more terrestrial animal-focused course, so I decided to come here. The Sunshine Coast is my home too.

I'm most excited about the field trips and excursions. I'm nervous about the social element of university, because when I started last time, I came in mid-year when most people already knew each other. Being here at orientation today, when everyone else is starting as well and nobody knows each other, it feels much easier to get in and make friends.

I think as climate change comes into effect, as the sea begins to rise, as animals become more injured in extreme weather and tropical storms, there's going to be a need for people to care about them. Especially snakes because they can't escape from bushfires. And habitat fragmentation is separating too many populations of animals. I hope through starting Uni, to make a difference in my personal life, and in the world.

Sophie, 17

Both my parents are in nursing, and it’s all I've heard from them growing up. But also, I've experienced some of the different ways nursing can go, and really enjoyed them. It’s always been an interest of mine.

When I was little, I would go to the hospital with my dad a lot, and as I got older, I would sometimes work at the COVID vaccination walk-in clinics. I also got to work at Splendour in the Grass (in the first aid facilities) which had a hospital-like layout, and had a couple of other similar experiences which I enjoyed.

I'm most excited about meeting new people and all the opportunities, experiencing uni life. I'm most scared about the placement… and the massive essays which I feel will be different to high school, more daunting.

Ella, 17

Nursing has always been in the family, and I thought I could enjoy it too. And UniSC was perfect, because it's so close to home.

Starting uni feels like starting a whole new life. I’m most nervous about everything changing… but I’m also excited because everything's changing. So, it’s both exciting and nerve-wracking.

To me, a ‘better tomorrow’ is one where people are happy and feel well. I like helping people, so I think this career will be very rewarding.

Jade, 17

I chose to study animal ecology because for as long as I can remember I've always enjoyed nature and animals, and wanted to help and protect them.

I would love the opportunity to better educate people about our planet and help to save it, especially with everything going on right now like global warming and war.

Sophie and Ella are studying a Bachelor of Nursing, and Jade is studying a Bachelor of Animal Ecology. The three are friends from high school starting at UniSC together.