When Vicky Santalla moved from Argentina to Australia six years ago, she never imagined she would one day complete a Master of Teaching at Southern Cross University.

What began as an au pair job in Brisbane soon grew into a genuine passion for early childhood education.

Vicky says the Southern Cross term model made a huge difference. “The six‑week terms made managing my workload so much easier. Information stays fresh, assessments are clear and the two‑week break helps you reset. You don’t get that at other universities.”

Her placements, organised entirely by the University, gave her confidence and practical skills.

“Applying what I learned in the centre made everything click. I gained so many new skills.”

Now working in a kindy room, Vicky feels excited for what’s ahead.

“Southern Cross has been a fantastic experience. I’mreally glad I chose this path.”

Lucinda has always been driven by a desire to help others, with a clear goal of becoming a doctor. “Leaving high school, I knew I wanted to work as a doctor, given my interest in health and sciences,” she says. Although she initially fell just short of the required ATAR, choosing an alternative pathway at Griffith proved invaluable. “It allowed me to slow down and take on many personal and professional opportunities before entering medical school.” 

Now pursuing a Master’s in medical research, Lucinda credits Griffith’s “quality of education, the support of my environment, and opportunities for personal and professional growth” as key to her journey. Through a research project elective and scholarships, she gained hands-on laboratory and research experience. 

A highlight was being mentored by Dr Dinesh Palipana. “He helped me tremendously in understanding my career pathway and breaking down the end goal into achievable steps.” 

Looking ahead, Lucinda hopes “to positively impact my patients’ health… with empathy, understanding, and compassion,” ensuring every patient feels supported and cared for.  

When Bachelor of Nursing graduate Amy Knott looks back on her time at Southern Cross, she’s amazed by how much she experienced — two campuses, seven placements, a student ambassador role and a student snow trip — all leading to a place in a graduate nursing program.

“I’ve always loved the clinical side of nursing, especially IVs and medications, but I also enjoy caring for people. Nursing gives me the perfect mix of hands‑on skills and meaningful connections.”

For Amy, Southern Cross University’s strong focus on practical learning made all the difference. “I did seven placements and got such a variety across medical wards, community care, mental health and even primary health inside a correctional facility.”

This broad experience helped her gain confidence quickly. “I learnt so much about different areas of nursing. The real-world placement experience gave me confidence once I stepped into the workplace.”

Amy couldn’t be happier with her choice. “Nursing at Southern Cross was the best decision I made. It’s opening doors and given me a career I love.”

Ranked in the 151–225 globally for nursing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2026, Southern Cross University is producing graduates like Amy ready to make an impact in healthcare.

Aspiring filmmaker Scott Brown was behind the lens at this year’s Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Festival, filming on the red carpet when he came  face-to-face with one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors. 

Amid the buzz of flashing cameras and industry heavyweights, the Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020) student seized a moment he won’t soon forget. 

“I heard someone mention Baz Luhrmann, so I thought I’d just hang around… and I was pretty much the only one there when he walked in,” said Scott. 

“I stepped out in front of him and said, ‘Hi, can I get a quick hello for the AACTAs?’ - and he said yes.” 

For Scott, the experience was more than a brush with fame, it was a chance to put his classroom learning into action. 

“I had to learn on the fly. I already knew how to use the camera, but it made me realise I needed to work through problems quickly,” he said. 

The footage he shot will be used by the festival and will also strengthen his growing professional portfolio. 

“That’s the great thing about TAFE Queensland - we get opportunities all the time, and I’m always saying, ‘Yep, put me down.’ Whenever something comes up, I put my hand up and volunteer,” he said.

From the second I set foot on Bond’s campus, I knew I had made the best decision of my life.  

The past year at Bond has been a rollercoaster of new skills, projects, teamwork, laughter, tears, all-nighters in the edit labs, data wrangling, friendship and so much more. Each subject challenges me out of my comfort zone. I finish the semester tired and proud of what I’ve accomplished.  

I could talk forever about why I love studying at Bond and what I have learned, but if I had to narrow it down to a few things, I would say it’s been vital to developing my creative voice and allowing me to trust myself. Every subject and assignment pushes me to work with new people, challenge myself with new skill sets, and achieve the impossible, and because of that, I have learned to become comfortable in chaos and to advocate for myself and my creativity, as well as others. 

I cannot wait to see where the future takes me.

From the moment he attended Open Day, Matthew was drawn to Griffith’s welcoming environment and strong focus on hands-on learning. “I enjoy applying theory in real-world contexts, so Griffith’s practical approach really stood out to me,” he says.

A key highlight of his journey has been the genuine support from academic staff, who are approachable and always willing to help. This support played an important role in his acceptance into Griffith’s Student Academy of Excellence, where ongoing mentorship has helped build his confidence and guide his development.

Beyond the classroom, Matthew has embraced a wide range of opportunities. As a Senior Engagement Ambassador, he visits high schools to help students explore their future pathways, while also building valuable communication and leadership skills. He has also represented Griffith during National Science Week, connecting with academics and expanding his professional network. “These experiences have significantly broadened my network and helped me grow both personally and professionally,” he says.

Through extracurricular activities like the Griffith Racing Team and Oztag, he has built strong friendships and teamwork skills, making the most of the vibrant campus community.

I am currently studying a double degree: the Bachelor of Laws and the Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics. I am currently in my fourth semester of this program, but my journey at Bond started with the Foundation Program through Bond University College.  

I moved from Malaysia to the Gold Coast to study at Bond, and without a doubt, choosing this path has been an immensely rewarding decision filled with opportunity and experiences.

What first drew me to Bond was its strong reputation for student experience, as I believe that an engaging environment plays a key role in making education both enjoyable and meaningful. However, after the past couple of semesters at Bond, I’ve come to realise that the student experience goes far beyond what I initially expected.

I am involved in several extracurricular activities on campus, including serving as the International Director of the Bond University Student Association (BUSA) and as the President of the Bond Global Students’ Society. In these leadership roles, I have come full circle. The student experience is what drew me to Bond and now, I am contributing to the student experience by representing the international students here.  

Christine Machielsen is a mum of four and a grandmother of twelve, proving it’s never too late to pursue your passions. 

Christine is studying a Bachelor of Nursing (HED007), a journey that started on the sideline of junior AFL games.  

“I was doing first aid, and then what they called being a trainer…basically looking after the health and welfare of the players,” said Christine. 

What began as a volunteer role soon sparked a growing passion for health care.  

“About six years ago… I did my Certificate IV and became a carer,” she said. 

While working in aged care, nurses encouraged her to continue studying, leading her to enrol in a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121).  

“I loved it. The diploma was the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said.  

“When I got towards the end of it, I thought to myself, ‘well, you’ve gone this far, lets just keep going.’” 

Christine then enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing (HED007) to become a registered nurse. 

“The RN course has been just as fantastic,” she said.  

“To be able to do both courses through TAFE Queensland and not have to change institutions has been absolutely wonderful.” 

“It’s given me purpose again.”