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Carmela Pain’s innate curiosity led her across the ocean. At UOW College, she found the environment she needed to unlock her true academic potential, find her purpose and chart her course toward a bright future.
Born in Australia but raised and educated in England, Carmela had always loved learning but wasn’t academically inclined. Finishing high school during the pandemic, she considered studying law, but her heart wasn’t in it.
“Everyone was saying it was the next step, but I didn't want to waste time and money when I didn't know what I wanted to do,” she recalls.
She spent a couple of years working in London’s exciting events scene, relishing the freedom to blend work with travel and even gaining her scuba diving licence. A backpacking trip brought her back to Australia, and while she knew she was ready for a new challenge, she wasn’t quite sure what came next.
Confidence to grow
Inspired by her lifelong passion for conservation, she decided to enrol in a marine science degree at UOW.
"I was offered a place in the UOW College Diploma of Science, with guaranteed entry into the second year of the UOW Bachelor of Marine Science,” says Carmela.
“I hadn’t been aware of the UOW College pathway, but it worked out so much better. I hadn’t studied in three or four years, and without the smaller classes and preparation subjects, going straight into uni would have been so overwhelming. College was like a stepping stone to feeling more confident in my abilities.”
Carmela quickly flourished in UOW College’s supportive, structured environment. What began as a tentative step turned into a transformative experience, culminating in graduating with the Outstanding Achievement Award for the Diploma of Science and as her cohort’s graduation keynote speaker.
“I felt like I’d found an academic environment I could enjoy being in, where I wasn’t afraid to ask questions. That gave me so much confidence to push myself.”
In addition to the support of former UOW College students through the Peer Learning Program, Carmela credits her teachers – particularly Jordyn Clough and Meagan Powley – with enabling her to reach for her potential.
“Jordyn and Meagan were so supportive and made classes fun and informative. They taught us what we needed to succeed academically and gave us the confidence and encouragement to do so. They were always there to answer questions and help us find our path – and still are, even after graduation.”
From curiosity to clarity
Now excelling in the second year of her UOW Marine Science degree, Carmela found the transition seamless.
“It’s great that the first-year subjects are the same at UOW College and university; you don’t feel you’ve missed out on anything coming into second year.”
She continues to embrace every opportunity for growth. Carmela recently completed a two-week New Columbo Plan in New Caledonia, where she assisted in research on health in adolescence and wrote a report on coral reef degradation and declining fish stocks in the region as well as the impact on Indigenous public health.
“I applied because of my interest in working with small island developing states on conservation efforts. The experience really opened my eyes about how I could contribute to real solutions in the future,” she says.
Next year, she will study abroad in Canada, and has her sights set on completing honours and possibly a PhD.
“I’d love to work in a university in a combined teaching and research role, where I can help people learn while pursuing interesting research projects in vulnerable regions like the Pacific Islands.”
More than a diploma
Reflecting on her time at UOW College, Carmela says she gained so much more than a diploma.
“I made incredible friends who are now such an important part of my life. I gained so much confidence in my abilities and a completely new outlook on what I’m capable of,” she says.
“I always knew I was capable of doing something, I just didn’t know what. I’ve tried or considered lots of different paths, but through UOW College, I found one that feels right.”
In her graduation keynote speech, Carmela encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace the core values that have guided her journey – curiosity, integrity, empathy and service – and explore what truly lights them up.
“Just figure out what you want to do and try your hardest at it, then you can never say that haven’t done anything,” she says.
“And if you don’t know what you want to do, talk to someone. There are always people ready to help with advice and pathways. There’s nothing wrong with being unsure – just give yourself the chance to see what you’re capable of and what makes you happy.”