• STRIVE leadership program helped Charles Sturt graduate gain confidence and full-time job in chosen field

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) graduate Miss Ellen James has learned more in five years at university than just how to birth a cow.

Miss James completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science in Wagga Wagga in July 2019 and will graduate in December.

It has been a dream of Miss James since she was four years old to be a veterinarian, and she knew since she was in high school that studying at Charles Sturt would offer her the best chance of working in mixed practice.

“Charles Sturt University attracts lecturers who are passionate about their fields,” she said.

“I always knew I wanted to be a vet and the Charles Sturt University program fit really well with what I wanted to learn.”

Miss James said Charles Sturt offered a supportive community to study within, and she became involved in student organisations and leadership programs to further her own skills while giving back to the University.

She has been a representative on the Veterinary Student Association, student coordinator with the Veterinary Science Mentor Program, participated in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging Competition, a student representative on the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences board, an Orientation Week leader and Orientation Week co-ordinator.

Miss James enrolled in the STRIVE student leadership program to build on her personal strengths and increase her leadership abilities.

She gave a presentation about the STRIVE program at the Vice-Chancellor’s Forum in Wagga Wagga.

“It gave me a lot of confidence in the skills I did have,” she said.

“STRIVE was a great way to reflect on what I had done and the skills I already had.”

Charles Sturt’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Ms Jenny Roberts said it was always a pleasure to watch students test their personal limits while studying at Charles Sturt.

“Ellen has made contributions to the University while completing her degree, which we always like to see from students,” Ms Roberts said.

“Ellen and her graduating classmates are ready to leave the University and start making an impact on the communities they work or continue to study in.”

“I congratulate Ellen and her fellow graduates and wish them well in their future careers.

Miss James has been working full-time since September at a mixed practice veterinary service in Goulburn.

She will graduate from Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga on Monday 16 December at 2pm at Joyes Hall, building 209.