Love, learning and new beginnings: Federation University students to shine at Ballarat graduations
Nikhil (Nick) Penki and Felicia Chin at their Ballarat graduation ceremony.
Federation University is set to celebrate the achievements of more than 740 graduating students at four graduation ceremonies in Ballarat this week.
Among the hundreds of students crossing the stage will be Nikhil (Nick) Penki and Felicia Chin, who first met as students – and now graduate as soulmates.
Nick (Master of Social Work) and Felicia (Master of Clinical Psychology) met through mutual friends while studying at Federation.
Today, they’re engaged and building a life together in Ballarat, a community they now both call home.
“Ballarat is where we met, and where we’re building our lives and careers together,” Nick said.
Both credit Federation with supporting their transition into rewarding local careers – with Nick currently working for the City of Ballarat and CAFS, while Felicia is employed as a psychologist at Ballarat Grammar and Mind and Seek Psychology
“For me, graduating is a bittersweet experience – I had a wonderful time being a student at Fed Uni,” Felicia said.
“It gave me the opportunity to form more social connections, helped me get postgraduate employment and make a lot of friends along the way.”
For Nick, who started off at a different university studying another discipline, the Federation difference was clear.
“Throughout my Fed Uni experience, I was able to get a lot of help and support in my journey as a student,” Nick said.
“Having moved from a different university, I noticed the difference in the way Federation looks after students by presenting them with opportunities to socialise and volunteer.”
As for advice to future graduates, both Nick and Felicia encourage students to embrace every opportunity.
“My advice is to make the effort to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, so you can make lifelong memories, friendships and gather new experiences,” Nick said.
And for Felicia, “I would tell current and future university students to simply put their hand up wherever they can, so they can get the most out of university life.”
The graduation ceremonies will be held at Founders Theatre, Mt Helen campus on the following dates:
Tuesday 21 October at 10:30am and 3:00pm
Wednesday 22 October at 10:30am