Dubai: Hundreds of students were honoured during the 24th graduation ceremony of the University of Wollongong in Dubai on Wednesday.
Among them were top achievers who shared with Gulf News their tips on excelling in studies.
The graduation was attended by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president of Al Shabab Al Arabi Club, and coincided with the university’s 20-year anniversary in the UAE.
The graduation saw 463 undergraduates and postgraduates receive their degrees from the President of the University, Professor Trevor Spedding.
“This day sees the award of our 7,000th degree, which is a fitting milestone to commemorate another landmark achievement in the university’s history – the 20th anniversary of our establishment in the UAE,” said Spedding.
During the ceremony the top graduating students received awards from Shaikh Mansour and the president.
One of the top achievers awarded was Emirati Manal Al Rasasi, a 21-year-old Bachelor of Commerce graduate (finance), who clinched three awards — Top Graduate B.Com Finance, Top Emirati Graduate and the Academic Excellence Award by Dubai International Academic City.
Speaking on her achievement, Manal attributed her success to being a perfectionist who always wants to challenge herself and push her limits.
“The key to my success is that I put studying as my ultimate priority regardless of what happens around me and my motivation for all of this is making myself and my parents proud. Just seeing that proud look in their eyes means everything to me.”
For students who wish to become top achievers, Manal advised: “You are in university to study, not to play around, so why not focus on your studies and graduate as a top student like I did. It will all be worth it I promise,” she said,
Another top achiever was Mohammad Shahzaidi, 22, who changed his major to take charge of his family business.
“I was a science student but then I transferred to bachelor of commerce to help my dad with the family business. I never expected to be a top graduate in marketing and I am happy with my decision because my father handed me the whole business and I am well equipped to deal with it now,” said the Sri Lankan.
Shahzaidi said that being committed in studies is key and everyone can be a top achiever if they work hard.
“I don’t believe that any subject is hard, all that you have to do is basically attend all your classes and make sure to know who you hang out with. I was able to balance sports and studies even as a transfer student and I believe that anyone is capable of doing so,” he said.
