John Algie's path to becoming a distinguished Computer Science graduate at UOW began in an unexpected way.
Faced with challenges in Year 11, he explored alternative routes to university, ultimately finding success and a passion for guiding other students on similar journeys.
“I had applied for early entry to the University of Wollongong (UOW), but I didn’t get it because my expected ATAR was too low,” he says.
“I was at that time having a lot of learning difficulties because of mental health issues and it looked like I wouldn’t even get an ATAR at all. I was pretty upset about it.”
From adversity to opportunity
Determined not to let his disappointment derail him, John started doing some research on his own and stumbled upon UOW College.
And he took his Career adviser’s advice.
In 2019, John started what would become an inspiring learning journey which surprised even himself.
When he left high school with little self-confidence, John enrolled in the UOW College Diploma of Information Technology, and that is where his life began to change for the better.
“I breezed through the Diploma with pretty high marks,” he says.
He already knew he wanted to continue to further study at UOW and was preparing to step into the second year of a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Finding the inspiration to change direction
However, a chance conversation with one of the lecturers at the College had him rethinking what he could achieve, and he decided to take a chance on himself and change direction.
“We had a small class at the College and me and some friends were slow at packing up after a class one afternoon,” he says.
“We were talking about our futures, and I mentioned I was going to do a Bachelor of IT when my lecturer told me I was more than capable of doing a Bachelor of Computer Science.”
The confidence that lecturer had in John’s ability put him on the path to success that he is now travelling.
John finished his Bachelor of Computer Science this year and has graduated with distinction.
“I would happily take this degree to show myself in Year 11 and prove I was good enough,” he says.
John says he probably wouldn’t be where he is today if it was not for the College.
“College was like a transitional path – halfway between university and high school,” he says.
“It had smaller classes, support and I I knew I could go to lectures and tutors with any problems I may have had.
“I felt I was especially supported because I had, at the time undiagnosed ADHD and Aspergers and the College made sure I had points of contact with someone all the way through.
Giving back and looking forward
Not only did John graduate with distinction from his Bachelor of Computer Science, but he has also used his own experiences at the College to encourage other school leavers to think about it as an alternative pathway to achieve their tertiary education goals.
“I joined the College staff as a student representative, calling future students to let them know that they were getting an offer to study at the College, and now I have been employed as a Website Support Officer for the College, helping redesign the website and keep it up to date.
“It feels great to be able to use the skills I learned at UOW College in my job.”
John says it was his time at the College that has been the key to his success in his chosen career path.
“The College helped me build such a strong foundation particularly for going into the second year of a bachelor's degree.
“I have absolutely no regrets going to the UOW College and encourage other people to go down this pathway.”
Learn more about the Pathway Programs available at UOW College.
John Algie
Diploma of Information Technology
Bachelor of Computer Science