A question has haunted me for two semesters. It’s that really basic conversation starter that approximately 85% of Bondies hit you with at any given social occasion.
“What degree do you study?”
“Well…er…sort of a bridging course…um, it’s a preparation program…NEARLY COMMERCE!”
And the fancy-clad law student stands there nodding with a vacant smile and quickly changes the topic to something far less complicated, assuming you are of course a socially inept delinquent dropout.
But two semesters of these awkward little introductions has taught me also that 85% of Bondies have never even heard of Bond University College, and I, a very proud high school dropout, would like to thank this institution immensely for 28 weeks of life lessons and the introduction to perhaps one of the most wonderful journeys I will ever embark on.
To clarify, my dropout status doesn’t include the typical stigmas attached. Halfway through Year 11 I left for the United States to study at an elite independent school under an international scholarship program as one of four Australian students and 100 globally. The only drawback to this opportunity was that upon my return one year later, Queensland Education insisted I pick up where I left off in Year 11, essentially a grade below where I should have been.
Never predicting this bureaucratic element to be of huge consequence, this changed significantly when attending school became merely a relentless revision session, thus ridding me of any enjoyment or motivation. For me there is no more stagnant or destructive position than one where learning is not occurring. And in these circumstances, one must create opportunities to change them. I was accepted into Bond as a Year 11 student, under the condition that I complete two semesters of the University Preparation Program; and with the greatest enthusiasm I leapt at the chance to begin a new adventure.
Every person in Bond University College has a unique story to offer which brought them here, something that makes learning in such a diverse cohort a true privilege. Whether they have moved to Australia from across the world for simply a change of air, or previously kicked off international careers in sporting endeavours and now decided to pursue a tertiary education, Bond University College is to be credited for affording people who have approached their studies outside the status quo the same opportunities to enrich their education.
Bond University College is an ideal transition into university life. Small class sizes enable students to form special relationships with staff, which is a wonderful gift for those who have only just left the security of home. Lecturers and tutors incorporate a strong sense of discipline in a nurturing environment to ensure we achieve the best possible results. The variety of courses offered through the Pathways Programs offer a taste of all university faculties and highlight which areas we’d particularly like to study (or avoid).
My advice to any Bondy starting their university career through Bond University College is to never feel self conscious when someone asks what you are studying. Don’t allow yourself to be timid in saying you’re currently preparing or laying the foundations. You are a Bond University student and have every right to embrace the university life just like any other business or medicine student. The workload is equally rigorous, stuff just as experienced; the only difference (and actually advantage) being that you are studying a broader range of subjects. Study in the library, join that club, start that sport you’ve always wanted to try, go to that Don’s party and immerse yourself in the Bond network of wonderful friends and talented counterparts. The time is now, opportunities are here on silver platters, and it is your absolute responsibility to seize every single one of them.
Written by Bondy Isabel Byrne.
Step into your career with a pathway in January and still graduate on time with your peers (and up to 12 months earlier than other universities!). You can apply direct to Bond at any time.