Graduation 2021: Kate Sherwood

A course that included overseas trips was changed last minute due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop graduating student Kate Sherwood from taking every opportunity to broaden her horizons. 

Kate will receive a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Indonesian Studies and Geography at this week’s conferral ceremony. She is looking forward to completing her studies and to be graduating alongside lifelong friends. 

Kate said her overseas trip  was something she was looking forward to, but she ended up appreciating the connections she made here that would benefit her throughout her career. 

“The pandemic had different ideas for us. Despite that, one of the main stand outs would be the networking we can do while here in Canberra,” she said.

Kate reflected on the transition to online learning: “I think the actual endeavour of completing our degrees online was not the hardest part, it was more so adapting to a new environment away from the many ‘in person’ connections we all depended on.” 

From a young age Kate knew she wanted to be in the Royal Australian Air Force, specifically mission aircrew operating some of the world's most sophisticated airborne electronic systems and working in surveillance and battle management. 

With that in sight, Kate has worked hard with her commitments to military training, as well as her studies. 

“UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy is an experience, and after fully immersing myself in all that ADFA has to offer, I feel content and prepared for my future ventures,” Kate said. 

A highlight of her university career was she attended special events with the Governor General. 

The next stop for Kate is East Sale in 2022, where she will undertake the Mission Elementary Course for mission aircrew training. We congratulate Kate on graduating and wish her and her peers the very best for the future.