Passions become careers as graduates already making an impact

19 DECEMBER 2022

Passions become careers as graduates already making an impact

The graduates from Charles Sturt University vary in degree, background and skillset but they are all bonded by the common desire to give back to their professions and communities.

The graduates from Charles Sturt University vary in degree, background and skillset but they are all bonded by the common desire to give back to their professions and communities.

Two graduates from ceremonies in Wagga Wagga last week, who also both received the University Medal, are already ensuring they make an impression in their chosen field.

The students that walked across the stage of Joyes Hall in Wagga Wagga this week graduated from a variety of degrees and came from a range of backgrounds.

But they all had one thing in common – the desire to make lasting contributions to their communities.

Ms Zajkel Zaia and Ms Gabrielle Hewson graduated  in creative industries and accounting, respectively, joining more than 1,120 that graduated in Wagga Wagga during a week of seven ceremonies at Joyes Hall.

These students also received the University Medal for their outstanding academic achievements.

The Good Universities Guide recently revealed Charles Sturt topped the nation for the sixth year in a row for students who obtained full-time employment within four months of graduating.

Bachelor of Creative Industries (Acting and Performance Design) graduate Ms Zajkel Zaia was born and raised in Dubbo but is now living in Wagga Wagga.

She loved performing as a child and knew from an early age it was something she wanted to pursue as a career.

It was during a high school trip to watch theatre productions in Sydney she realised she wanted to be on the stage, not just the person watching.

“Performance to me is sharing stories, and these stories can often inspire, educate and entertain,” she said.

“Watching a performance that moves you is one of the most powerful moments a person can experience, and I wanted to be someone that could make people feel the way I did watching those shows on that trip.”

Zajkel currently works at the Wagga Civic Theatre and for Freeroam Theatre Incorporated, where she said she has learned about the impact professional theatre can have within the local community.

She said she wants to use her roles to be able to continue to develop projects that bring the community together and support local businesses.

“I am already working towards developing countless creative projects that support educational and professional development in the performing arts sector in Wagga Wagga and the Riverina,” she said.

It was Bachelor of Accounting graduate Ms Gabrielle Hewson’s attention to detail and the appeal of working with numbers that drew her to a career in accounting.

“I was also aware that a business degree, such as accounting, would offer many different career opportunities in the future,” she said.

Gabrielle’s family helped her stay motivated while studying through the pandemic and natural disasters that plagued the state. She said they offer 100 per cent support in everything she does.

She is currently working at Paisley Robertson Accountants in Wagga Wagga. She worked there three days a week while completing her degree and obtained full-time employment after graduation.

Gabrielle is the current treasurer of the Rotaract Club and hopes to build on her contributions to the Wagga Wagga community through her new job.

Media Note:

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Nicole Barlow at Charles Sturt Media on mobile 0407 915 607 or news@csu.edu.au

The University Medal is the highest honour that a student can receive. To be awarded a University Medal, a student has to achieve High Distinctions (HDs) in nearly all their subjects and if a student receives all HDs, they will receive a possible Grade Point Average (GPA) of seven.

Photo caption: Graduates Zajkel Zaia (left) and Gabrielle Hewson in Wagga Wagga.


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DubboWagga WaggaArts and CultureCharles Sturt University