Out and about in nature

For Lewin, the great outdoors is his happy place. “I go off cycling in the Royal National Park whenever I can. Sometimes at ridiculous times in the morning,” he says. “It clears your head, and you can be off in your own world.”

That love of being out in nature eventually led Lewin to pursue Environmental Biology at UTS, something he chose towards the end of a gap year he took after a difficult HSC. Like many recent high school graduates in Australia, Lewin found himself unsure what to do next. “I didn’t have a great time at school...everyone knew what they wanted...I kind of fell behind. When that happens, you can feel overwhelmed and you struggle to catch up,” he says. “I felt like I wasn’t any good at academics and I didn’t know what I was going to do. So, I took a gap year.”

It gave me a chance to build my confidence and study skills, and it was a more personal, supportive environment.

My journey

Lewin-and-Andrew-cello-at-church_1

This is me and my Dad

Dad and I play the cello. My family loves music, sport and being outdoors. We moved over here from the UK when I was a kid. 

Taking the time to figure things out

The break gave Lewin time to stop and think about what he really wanted. “My first thought was, ‘what will get me outdoors?’” he says. “A few of my friends were doing biology, and Mum was getting into gardening, so they were all talking about plants". Lewin says he started to look at degrees related to that, even though he didn’t do science in school.

Lewin chose to study the Diploma of Science at UTS College. “It felt like a smart way to ease into uni,” he says. “It gave me a chance to build my confidence and study skills, and I found a more personal, supportive environment.” During his time at UTS College, Lewin had access to a broad range of services to support his academic and wellbeing, along with world-renowned facilities like the UTS Library and - as a science student - the UTS SuperLab.


Ready for what's next

Lewin also appreciated how it helped him approach study with a more mature mindset. “I came in feeling ready,” he says. “I wasn’t just doing what everyone else was doing. I had a plan, and that made me more focused.”

Now on his way to completing a Bachelor of Science at UTS, Lewin credits his gap year and the skills he developed studying his diploma for helping him get to where he is today. “If I’d rushed into it, I might not have chosen the right path. That time off helped me start uni when I was truly ready.”

I wasn’t just doing what everyone else was doing. I had a plan, and that made me more focused.

 Lewin's day in the life

As a UTS science student, Lewin’s days revolve around lab work, peer study sessions, leadership opportunities - and of course, enjoying the great outdoors.

Lewin's also a student ambassador at UTS College. He's stepped up in public-facing roles: presenting at events and helping fellow students navigate their pathways.

He says the small class environment gave him confidence to ask questions and connect with peers, which made a big difference after high school:

The way the course was structured really helped. I feel like I’ve grown so much…I now have the confidence to speak on the spot and present my ideas.

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What’s next

Going straight into his second year at UTS after he completed his diploma, Lewin was intent on making the most of his momentum. While studying at uni, he also secured a part-time job as a lab technician in an environmental lab. "It's related to my degree and I love it!," he says. "It's also helped a lot with my study, knowing what goes on in a lab."

His job came about straight after he finished his diploma. "I had this diploma - this qualification that is actually really valuable to find a job related to my degree," he says. Lewin approached a laboratory near where he lives. "I said 'Hey look! I've got something to show for my study, it's better than just a high school qualification' and they said 'Yes, absolutely! We've got something for you."

The confidence and security of getting a qualification for his first year of uni has prepared Lewin for what comes next.

I had this diploma - this qualification that is actually really valuable to find a job related to my degree.


Tip for future students

Don’t assume you’re behind just because your high school results weren’t ideal. A pathway like this gives you the foundation you need, and the community here will support you along the way.

 

Did you know? A Diploma of Science gives you real lab action, team projects and access to world-class facilities like the Super Lab and Anatomy facility.

Explore the Diploma of Science

Lewin shares his HSC and UTS College experience

 
 

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Ready to explore your future?

Just like Lewin, you don’t have to know exactly what direction to take right now. But knowing what excites you and where it could lead is a great way to make confident choices. At UTS College, our diplomas in animation, business, communication, design & architecture, engineering, IT and science offer direct entry to UTS, with most diplomas allowing you to go straight into the second year of a UTS degree*.

Your future starts with the first step. See which diploma suits your goals.

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