Terez

“The year that made me realise I belong.”

UTS College. Where my UTS story began.

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Hey there, I'm Terez!

  
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Dream job

Working in a creative industry where I can combine creativity with helping people
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What might surprise you to know

I came to Australia as a refugee from Iraq. I was once shy and still learning English. Now I'm a student ambassador who helps other students feel welcome on campus.
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You’ll usually find me

Helping students, getting involved in campus activities or creating content for the College.
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First day at UTS College

Nervous, but determined to put myself out there and meet new people.
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One thing “Year 12 Me” wouldn’t believe

That I’d have the confidence to become a student ambassador and help welcome other students to campus.

My path

Year 12

(Mary Mackillop Catholic College)

 

Diploma of Design &
Architecture

(UTS College)

 

Bachelor of Product
Design

(UTS)

Moments that made me

High school graduation night
With friends at campus fair
Submission for one of my assessments
Recording a student panel with Michael
Helping out at the Visionaries booth
Setting up for the end of year party
Graduating with Jacob and my other friends
My College Graduation - great day!
Graduated!
High school graduation night
With friends at campus fair
Submission for one of my assessments
Recording a student panel with Michael
Helping out at the Visionaries booth
Setting up for the end of year party
Graduating with Jacob and my other friends
My College Graduation - great day!
Graduated!
High school graduation night

My UTS College story

My turning point

My turning point came when I started saying yes to opportunities I would have avoided in high school. Becoming a peer mentor and later a student ambassador helped me realise I was capable of much more than I thought.

How I got here

High school wasn't always easy. After arriving in Australia as a refugee from Iraq, I was still learning English and trying to find where I belonged. When I started at UTS College, I challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people and take on new opportunities. Looking back now, I'm proud of how far I've come. 

The year that changed everything for me

The friendships I made, the opportunities I took and the confidence I gained completely changed my mindset. I was getting good grades, and I stopped wondering whether I belonged and started believing in myself.  

Read my full story

How UTS College was the year that changed me

I stepped outside my comfort zone

The support is real

 I challenged myself to try things I never would have attempted in high school. Each new opportunity helped me build confidence and grow as a person. 

3 things I didn't expect

I thought I would be the only one feeling nervous, but everyone is adjusting to a new environment. Putting yourself out there is worth it.

I thought I would be the only one feeling nervous, but everyone is adjusting to a new environment. Putting yourself out there is worth it.

What's happening

People often ask me about

For me, it started with small steps. Talking to new people in class, getting involved in activities and putting my hand up for opportunities helped me build confidence over time.

It was much easier than I expected. I met people from different backgrounds and experiences, and those friendships helped me feel at home very quickly.

I felt that way too. But one of the biggest things I learned is that you don't need to have everything figured out. Getting involved, meeting people and being open to new experiences helped me realise I belonged.

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