Be Brave Enough to Begin: A Graduate’s Reflection on Community, Opportunity, and Personal Growth
Embracing your UNIqueness: a student article series
Published on the 02 December 2025
Kathleen Ong is a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) / Bachelor of Information Systems student at UNSW Business School, and one of the 2025 Women in Business Ambassadors.
Drawn to UNSW by the university’s dynamic mix of business, technology and opportunity, Kathleen embraced campus life from the very beginning.
From leading student societies, joining consulting projects for nonprofits, to participating in international courses and internships, she says the most meaningful lessons came not from textbooks — but from stepping outside her comfort zone.
Today, as she gears up for graduation, Kathleen spoke with the UNSW Business School EDI team to reflect on how her “yeses” built more than just a degree: they built confidence, community and a clearer vision for the future.
Her story is a reminder that university is about far more than class and grades — it’s a space where opportunity, connection and growth can transform who you become.
“You get out what you put in” was what I was always told.
Back then, it just sounded like another phrase people threw around, but over the years it’s become a reflection of my university journey and the one piece of advice I want to pass onto younger students.
It started back in high school when I found myself attending the UNSW Open & experience days when I was in years 10 and 11 and then joined the Capital W high school workshop in year 12.
I met like-minded people, learned about the different degrees UNSW Business School has to offer, and pivoted from having my mind set on pursing a commerce/media degree to studying commerce/information systems and I can confidently say I’ve never looked back.
Once I was officially enrolled as a UNSW student in 2022, I was eager as could be. Excited to find out what this new chapter had to offer; I joined the UNSW Facebook discussion group and counted the days until O-Week.
But little did I know what was waiting for me here and that this university journey would be much more than just attending classes, getting good marks and completing assessments.
Instead, it was a journey full of growth, learning and fun, while realising that the real learning happens when you least expect it. Whether it be in the awkward random conversations during class, joining a society subcommittee on a whim or just taking the courage to apply for a role or experience that felt just out of reach.
All of which have become milestones in my university journey and have taught me to keep seeking out the next opportunity that is just around the corner. Looking back now, I can see how every brave “yes” I said shaped me into who I am today.
As I prepare to graduate, I’ve been reflecting on what these past four years have taught me - not just about business, technology, confidence or connection; but about life itself.
Here are 5 lessons I’d like to share from my four amazing years at UNSW:
1) Find your community
Be brave enough to join new things, because you never know who you might meet. University is the perfect time to explore, expand your circle and connect with people who might change your life in unexpected ways.
Whether its joining student societies for hobbies or faculties, volunteering (wellness, street team) or joining social sport. There’s something for everyone, as long as you’re willing to take part.
For me joining student societies and taking on roles and extracurricular projects helped me to meet people at all different stages of their uni lives. Many of those friendships have lasted years even as our paths have changed and we’ve kept in touch, and these networks continue to help me today.
2) Growth happens when you’re uncomfortable
Only when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone do you learn the most. Do things that push your limits and develop skills you’ve always wanted to improve.
Join case competitions, hackathons, professional development workshops, mentoring, networking events, whatever interests you even the slightest.
I always wanted to improve my public speaking skills and confidence, so I took on leadership positions, entered case competitions (hosted by societies & Innovator Pro by UNSW Employability) and project consulting cycles despite hating the idea of presenting on stage.
I also sought international experiences to broaden my outlook and bravely meet a whole class of new people. Completing an international study tour course; INFS3020 will forever be a highlight of my university journey
What doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger – and more competitive to a future employer.
3) Network, network, network
I didn’t fully understand the importance of networking until I was about halfway through my degree.
Every person you meet has their own unique story, wisdom and learnings you can learn from. A single conversation could spark opportunities – friendships, internships, projects and mentoring that you would’ve never imaged possible for yourself.
Take advantage of the industry networking sessions hosted by the Career Accelerator team or continue to network with and build your relations across your degree. Become a mentor or get involved with high school and community outreach projects, help others to see the benefits of university and learn from your experiences.
All of these relationships create a living breathing network that needs to be nurtured and tended to, just as much as your studies.
Stay curious and inquisitive because your network really is your most prized possession.
4) If you don’t ask, you don’t get
Humans aren’t psychic, we can’t read each other’s minds. What you might think yourself may not hold the same for someone else, that’s why it is so important to communicate and express your feelings.
Opportunities don’t appear out of thin air – they happen when you show initiative.
Whether it’s reaching out to someone to ask if you can be on a job of interest or even just asking for feedback or advice when applying for a role you’re unsure of – you’ll never be sure unless you ask and clarify.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss opportunities in the past because I was “scared to ask” but this helped me to learn that regret is your biggest opponent.
5) Find your pastime
Whether that be playing sports, cooking, travelling or simply reading, don’t forget to do things that make you happy outside of uni, part time work and deadlines. This will not only improve your quality of life, but also wellbeing.
For me it was having the privilege to travel, catch up with friends and give back to the student community through student societies and my Women in Business Ambassador role. These somewhat simple moments in between are what really made my uni days fly by and much more enjoyable beyond the classroom.
As I stand at the end of this chapter, I finally understand what the phrase of “You get out what you put in” meant. Not because I studied hard or checked every box, but purely because I showed up, said yes and allowed myself to grow in ways I never expected.
These aren’t just lessons for university, but life lessons I’ll carry with me long after I leave campus. And now, looking back at the eager student I once was, I can say with confidence that I’m graduating with so much more than a degree.