From being unsure if university was her ‘thing' to being recognised as a student exemplar, Erin Pascoe has ridden the waves of uncertainty and come out on top.

Five years after leaving high school in Brisbane, Erin enrolled in a Bachelor of Animal Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay campus. 

Despite experiencing self-doubt at the outset, the three-and-a-half-year odyssey has allowed her to flourish in a multitude of ways. 

Finishing with an outstanding grade point average (GPA) of 6.96, Erin was selected for the University Medal for Academic Excellence – but that was only part of the reward. 

“I’ve learnt to trust in myself and my own capability. I have completed this degree feeling so much more confident than before,” Erin says. 

“Fresh out of high school I wasn’t really sold on going to uni and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with myself. 

“I’m not an overly social person, can dwell on self-criticism sometimes, and I used to be petrified of public speaking, so it was a big step for me to commit and enrol at UniSC. 

“To get to where I am, I feel a massive sense of relief, pride and achievement – but also I’ve made a wonderful circle of friends through studying and that’s been a big bonus.” 

A culmination of Erin’s love for ecology was conducting a UniSC Special Research Project on whales, dolphins and acoustic devices used to keep them out of harm’s way. 

During her studies, she not only spent plenty of time outside the classroom in natural environments, but also travelled overseas. 

Erin describes these experiences as among her highlights. 

“I was lucky enough to study and collect scientific data in Borneo and the Galapagos Islands at various times,” Erin says. 

“I tried to get involved in as much fieldwork as possible and gain hands-on experience, because that’s what I found to be the most valuable form of learning. 

“Seeing my amazing mentors and cohort in action and succeeding at their own studies is something that still inspires me to this day. 

“Honestly, my biggest piece of advice to anybody considering studying is just give it a go! 

“Things are never as scary as what you imagine them to be at the start.” 

Erin is currently considering further study, while also looking ahead to the summer as a great opportunity to progress in her chosen profession.