A 61-year-old who thought she “wasn’t good enough” to be a university student has claimed a major accolade.
Sharon Jones, who enrolled full of self-doubt aged 57, received the University of the Sunshine Coast’s top graduating honour, the Chancellor’s Medal.
Ms Jones completed her Bachelor of Animal Ecology with a remarkable grade point average of 6.53 out of a possible 7 across all her subjects.
“I, one hundred percent, never thought I had what it took to be a university student,” she said.
“I didn’t believe that I was good enough but I’ve proven to myself that I am.”
“I didn’t do maths at school so I was daunted about learning statistics and other academic skills but I actually did really well.”
Even her “hardest subject” became one of her favourites: investigating how animals respond to global change, including the effects of marine plastics on marine animals.
“Walking along the beach with Associate Professor Kathy Townsend and seeing how plastic debris can impact the turtle populations and other marine life, that’s something you can’t unsee,” she said.
“I’ve become so passionate about how we can eradicate plastics and other pollutants that enter our oceans at the source. That’s why we come here to uni, to make a difference.”
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UniSC Chancellor Sir Angus Houston said Ms Jones’ academic excellence and commitment to study, along with her commitment to grassroots conservation and supporting others, that earned her the Chancellor’s Medal.
“Sharon epitomised leadership, determination and the spirit of community during her time at UniSC,” he said.
“From monitoring turtle nests to leading beach clean-ups and educating children about sustainability, Sharon exemplifies what it means to serve the community with purpose.
“She contributed to organisations such as TurtleCare Sunshine Coast, Sea Shepherd, and Sunshine Coast Council.
“As a student volunteer, leader and representative, she welcomed new students and participated in careers expos and research projects, earning a Student Leadership Award.
“Sharon not only redefined her own identity but also encouraged mature-aged students to pursue university with courage and dedication.”
Ms Jones said she felt welcomed at UniSC.
“I’ve had amazing teaching staff. They really are incredible and are so supportive,” she said.
“I’m just one very passionate person who, sadly, found my passion later in life and I’m not going to let it go until the day I die.
“I feel like I’ve had this new lease on life, like I’ve been let out of a cage.
“I feel like I’m flying now.”
In April and May, 2244 people will graduate from UniSC campuses at Fraser Coast (48), Gympie (9), Sunshine Coast (1564), Moreton Bay (408), Caboolture (46), Online (156) and Thompson Institute (13). Sunshine Coast graduation events were held on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April.
The University of the Sunshine Coast has reached a milestone, with 40,000 graduates and counting, since it launched in 1996.
