Michelle Tiang’s dream of studying fashion began when she was a junior high school student in Indonesia. From the moment her grandmother taught her how to sew, Michelle was fascinated by the possibilities of the sewing machine. “I enjoyed it so much,” she says. “Even if I was working at the machine for hours, the time seemed to fly past. I loved everything about it, and I wanted to develop my skill.”
Michelle still remembers the first garment she ever made. “It was a high school project. It wasn’t perfect, but I was happy with it. It was a dress – my first design. It was a vintage style, with some embellishments and a patterned skirt,” she says. “I remember my grandmother helped me.”
Setting a target
After researching the best places to study, she set her sights on UTS. “They offer fashion and textiles as a major and it’s a pretty famous school,” she says. “So, in the last two years of high school I told myself that it would be my pathway and my target. I had to get into UTS to get that major. And I knew the Diploma of Design at UTS College was the best way to get to UTS.”
Studying abroad comes with challenges, but Michelle drew inspiration from her father. She says, “I really like how he faces problems without overthinking. He just believes in himself. He believes he can do it. He’s inspired me never to give up because life is never smooth. There will be failures, problems, and difficulties, but once you face them, they’re never as difficult. Facing challenges helps you grow and become a better person.”
Her father’s advice served her well as she adjusted to studying in a new environment. She says, “I kept remembering what my dad told me. It became my motivation to survive and complete my work.”
In some ways, the transition to Sydney life was surprisingly easy for Michelle. “Luckily, I studied at an international high school, so I understand English quite well. And I like Australian food, especially the wraps and sandwiches they sell in the cafes,” she says. Her main issue was with the weather. “I lived in a tropical country for so long. I really don’t like the winter.”
Learning.Connected, the UTS College way of teaching and learning worked well for Michelle. “It was different from what I did in high school, but I adjusted quickly. It was so helpful the way we prepared before class. It meant I was ready for what we were going to learn. And I could directly start my assignments in class. I think I learnt to manage my time better,” she says.
Hands-on learning
Michelle also appreciated the College’s hands-on approach to learning, and now uses those practical skills every day at UTS. She says, “UTS College taught me so much, especially the design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Indesign. And I think you learn better when you have a hands-on approach. It’s different from the way I learnt at high school, where the teachers talk, and you take down notes.”
Michelle has come a long way since those early lessons on the home sewing machine.
She also has fond memories of her teachers. “They were very kind and patient,” she says. “Whenever I didn’t understand something, they would patiently explain, help me, and give advice so I could improve. On my last day at UTS College, we had an exhibition for design students. It was really fun. We were so happy, and we all saw each other’s work. I gave my teachers little gifts, and I loved seeing their happy faces.”
Starting UTS on a high note
She may have been sad to leave the College, but Michelle started at UTS on a high note. “I opened an email and got a lovely surprise,” she says. It was notification from UTS College that she was the winner of the Outstanding Graduate Prize for Diploma of Design. This is a generous cash award for the student who achieves the highest grade-point average over the entire course.
“I feel like my hard work paid off,” she says. “I had tried my best to get a good grade because of my dream to go to UTS. I never expected anything more. I told my family in Indonesia right away and they were surprised and happy too.”
Now studying Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles, her dream UTS degree, Michelle is enjoying university life. She says, “The pace is faster than UTS College, but everything I learnt has helped me adjust. It’s challenging, but fun. I love construction class, and I could sit for hours in the sewing room working on my projects.”
Michelle has come a long way since those early sewing lessons. Initially surprised that her granddaughter was seeking a career in fashion – she saw it more as a hobby – Michelle’s grandmother is following her progress with great interest. “It’s all a bit more advanced than our vintage home sewing machine.”
Embracing every opportunity
A person of many talents, Michelle has also taken advantage of the many clubs and societies that can enrich campus life. “I joined the Aerial Society (I was a gymnast for a few years, until the pandemic) to become more fit and flexible, and I do Pilates to keep fit,” she says. “And I belong to the Chinese Society. I speak English and Bahasa, but Mandarin is my first language. I’m also interested in the Makeup Society. I love makeup.”
Michelle wants to encourage all students, especially international students, to fully embrace the opportunities on campus. She says, “We’re so lucky to have this chance to experience a new culture. We should enjoy every moment. And above all, never give up.”
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