Off-campus graduate

Cinzia Rovida

Bachelor of Science(Biotechnology), Monash University

I live in Alice Springs with my husband and three young children. Studying has been a great for me as I chose to care for the children at home and felt I needed some other outside stimulus. Something a little more challenging than reading Winnie-the-Pooh stories!

I have always been interested in science and off-campus learning has allowed me to work towards a qualification that will complete in 2005. I actually commenced my studies in Italy at the University of Milano. The swap to English has been hard at times but I’m getting used to a language that doesn’t look the way it sounds and the course has been great for improving my English. Initially, I had always hoped to have a profession and decided to enrol and study off-campus with Monash University when I moved to Australia. It has been hard to sometimes to find time to study and not always easy to meet deadlines, but the lecturers have been understanding and easy to contact.

I really enjoy coming to the residential schools and doing the lab sessions and meeting the staff and other students. The student union at the campus was also helpful with meals and transport. Recently I have been fortunate to receive some financial support from the NT Department of Health because the Bachelor of Biotechnology is a qualification in short supply in the Northern Territory.

It has been a very rewarding journey. I plan to work in the medical pathology area in the private or public sector.