Graduation goals

Every path to graduation day is unique, but Victoria University (VU) students Ellyse Gamble, Mitch Wallis and Zaine Cordy have something special in common.

All three are elite athletes who have spent their time at VU juggling study, placements and demanding sporting careers. However, with graduation only days away, and the AFL season about to kick off, and the AFLW season still in play, each of the highly motivated players is more than a little preoccupied.

Wallis (Graduate Certificate in Business Administration) admits the last few years have been a challenge. “There was the pandemic, study, footy, and we had a baby, too! It is a lot when you look back on it. One word that springs to mind is…chaos!” says the midfielder.

“But having a passion for learning makes things easier. I’m also very thankful for the support of my lecturers and my classmates, and the VU Block Model suited me - the intense focus on one subject over four weeks – that’s how I like to study and learn.”

The player is excited about his future, on and off the oval. “I feel like graduation is the first stepping stone to whatever might come next. I’ve been working for a wealth management group for a while in the business development area and I’m already keen to do more study, maybe a Masters in the next couple of years.”

For AFLW defender Ellyse Gamble (Bachelor of Education P-12), Graduation Day is likely to be an emotional experience. “I’m first in my family to graduate and I’m really proud of that. My mum and dad are coming over from Tasmania to watch the ceremony and it means a lot to know they’ll be there in the audience.”

The popular player is also a big fan of the VU Block Model.

“I’m one of the students who has completed an entire degree under the Block Model. It offered me the flexibility to handle study and footy commitments and I enjoyed studying one subject over four weeks and getting that ‘tick a box’ sense of accomplishment every month.”

While staying organised comes naturally to Zaine Cordy (Bachelor of Business), the player says there were times when it was difficult to stay motivated. “I remember times, especially after a big training session when I found it really difficult to study, but having supportive lecturers made a huge difference.” Cordy’s advice to first year students? “Uni isn’t always going to be perfect. You may not like some of the subjects, but my advice is to push through, because the reward is at the end. Stick with it.”