Ms Sophie Linton, 22, from Goulburn, New South Wales completed a Bachelor of Communication (Advertising and Public Relations) with Charles Sturt University and was awarded an Undergraduate University Medal on Friday 11 August, officially celebrating her graduation on Wednesday 13 September at a ceremony in Sydney.

“I feel a huge sense of satisfaction in receiving the University Medal,” Sophie said.

“I’ve really enjoyed studying advertising and public relations at Charles Sturt University and learning from the amazing lecturing staff.

“The University Medal is an added rewarding bonus to the degree.”

The medal is awarded to students graduating from a Charles Sturt bachelor course with a GPA of 6.75 or higher and who have completed at least 64 points of their studies with the University.

Sophie achieved a GPA of 6.88 and said she owes her success to her solid support network.

“I am constantly inspired by my parents, both of whom have encouraged me to pursue my interests and career aspirations,” she said.

“They instilled in me the importance of working hard to achieve my goals, a notion I try to live out in my everyday life.

“I have also been with my partner Billy for almost eight years now, and he has been another major source of support for me throughout high school and university.”

But it wasn’t just her close support network which inspired Sophie to work hard.

“I lived on Christmas Island for a year when I was younger, and seeing the strength and perseverance of asylum seekers while growing up was, and still is, a huge inspiration to me,” she said.

When deciding which study path to take, Sophie had one question in mind: ‘What drives people to make purchasing decisions?’

“Since commencing my degree, I have found that my favourite aspect of communication is learning how creative and innovative solutions can be used to solve problems, generate conversation, and ultimately, drive change,” she said.

This interest in the way people think runs in her family.

“My mum has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and my dad has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology,” Sophie said.

Beyond graduation, Sophie has her sights set on making a difference in the world.

“I hope to have a positive impact on the world, in some form, and I’d love to help use communication and creativity to drive change and to help others,” she said.

Sophie is already well on her way to achieving this positive change.

“I used to work at Sephora and have recently started using the skills I gained working there to help run makeup workshops for people undergoing chemotherapy. I run these workshops in a volunteer capacity,” she said.

As for her studies, it’s likely not the end of the road.

“It’s a great feeling to graduate, but I love university so I’m sure I will be back and starting another degree soon,” Sophie said.

ENDS