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Returning to study through the UOW College pathway gave mature-age student Aden Shalala the confidence and foundation to thrive at university – and pursue a rewarding career he loves.
Aden had always enjoyed playing around with technology and wanted to explore it through further study. But after a rough time in high school, rolling straight into university didn't seem appealing.
Instead, he worked casually as a swim teacher while figuring out what he wanted to do. The experience sparked a love of teaching, and the idea of studying IT to become a computer science teacher began to take shape. Four years after finishing high school, Aden took the plunge, enrolling in the UOW College Diploma of Information Technology.
“My ATAR was just below what was needed to study the Bachelor of IT at UOW, and I was also nervous about returning to study four years after leaving school,” Aden says.
“When I looked into UOW College, it seemed perfect. I could start there feeling comfortable and supported, then go straight into the second year of the degree without losing any time.”
Foundation to flourish
As a 21-year-old non-school leaver, Aden was relieved to find his concerns about fitting in were unfounded.
“I was worried I’d be the oldest person and there’d be a social gap, but the demographic was incredibly diverse,” says Aden.
“It was fun, and that made it much more than just an education. We’d learn together, and most of our cohort would grab lunch together and hang out. It was different in a really good way.”
Aden says his teachers created a safe, supportive environment where he could re-engage with – and enjoy – learning. The foundation subjects, particularly maths, made a world of difference.
“I was quite good at maths in high school, but when I hit burnout, I completely disengaged from it. Relearning it in a university format, I was like, ‘I get it now’. The pacing was just right, and that helped me re-engage with education. I don’t think I would have achieved what I have without that foundation.”
He also valued the support of UOW College graduates through the Peer Learning Program, later becoming a Peer Assistance Tutor himself after completing his diploma.
“That extra set of hands means you’re constantly getting an extra level of support on top of what your tutors provide – it helped so much,” he says.
Stepping up with confidence
After completing his diploma in 12 months, Aden moved seamlessly into the second year of his UOW Bachelor of Computer Science. He started his bachelor study already familiar with the academic platforms and skills he needed.
“A lot of the learning platforms are shared, but UOW College introduces them to you in a more guided way – even the small things like navigating Moodle, submitting content, understanding rubrics or how to approach academic considerations if you’re sick,” he says.
“It was simultaneously doing university whilst also teaching you how to do university. By the time I finished at College, I knew how to get through my bachelor.
Student becomes teacher
Working as a Peer Assistance Tutor at UOW College while completing his bachelor’s degree has only affirmed Aden’s desire to teach.
“I really enjoy helping my peers. It’s so fulfilling to work with students who are unsure, just like I used to be, and help them understand something new that will hopefully stick with them for the rest of their education and into their career.”
Now preparing to graduate, he hopes to continue tutoring at UOW College and plans to pursue a Master of Education – the next step toward his dream of becoming a computer science teacher.
“I love IT, but there’s definitely a degree of fulfilment and connection and joy in education. Combining the two feels like the happiest path for me moving forward.”
A proud UOW College graduate and Student Ambassador, Aden shares his story to inspire others taking non-traditional paths, particularly non-school leavers or career changers.
“As a mature-age student who didn’t like high school, I’ve now nearly finished a bachelor’s degree and made education both a lifestyle and a career path. I love talking to people who haven't taken that first step yet and sharing my story to ease their concerns,” he says.
“There’s no losing or missing out with UOW College. It’s concise, helpful, and provides all the resources you need to succeed. Even if you don’t go on to university, it’s still an incredibly worthwhile experience.”