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Inspiring positive change is key for Master of Education alumna Kristy Bjarnelind, one of more than 200 graduates who crossed the floor at Southern Cross University’s graduation ceremony in Melbourne on 13 September 2024.
After travelling the world working as a teacher in the United Kingdom and Sweden, Kristy has set her roots in Melbourne as Head of Science at Brighton Grammar School.
“I met my husband, who is Swedish, while working in the UK and we moved to Sweden. I was supposed to be on a gap year but ended up living there for 12 years before returning to Australia,” Kristy said.
Kristy enrolled in the Master of Education specialising in Educational Leadership with ambitions to progress her career.
“The course was excellent. It widens your understanding of how a school operates which is important in a leadership position,” she said.
“In my current role, we had some decisions to make within the faculty. I happened to be studying a unit on educational investigation at the time and was able to use those data analysis skills to gain a perspective from the faculty on what decision we should make.”
Kristy is now ready to take the next step in her career and help shape education in schools.
“I want to impact how teachers are teaching and have a wider impact on education and student learning,” she said.
“It’s really exciting to graduate. It was challenging to balance study, work and family life so I feel really proud of myself.”
“I want to impact how teachers are teaching and have a wider impact on education and student learning.”
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Excitement and pride are shared by Master of Business Administration graduate Lynda Walsh, who was recently appointed as NSW/ACT State Manager at The Reject Shop.
“My dad was so excited to fly to Melbourne and watch me graduate, especially knowing my journey from not finishing school to earning a Master's degree. It's a proud moment for both of us,” Lynda said.
“I am excited, too. I was applying for new roles recently and being able to show that you balanced work and completed an MBA is a significant achievement that truly stands out on a resume.”
From managing 35 stores as an Area Manager to 107 stores as State Manager, Lynda says her Masters degree has given her a strong foundation for business leadership.
“This degree has equipped me to lead at a higher level, with a focus on inspiring and driving teams towards excellence. It reshaped how I think strategically and how I can have more influence in my future roles,” she said.
“This degree has equipped me to lead at a higher level, with a focus on inspiring and driving teams towards excellence. It reshaped how I think strategically and how I can have more influence in my future roles.”
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Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality) Professor Thomas Roche gave the occasional address.
“Graduation is the culmination of hard work, dedication and passion, and our graduates should be proud of their accomplishments. As they join our global network of alumni, we look forward to watching them flourish in their chosen field,” Professor Roche said.
The ceremony included graduates in Social Work, Business, Accounting, Law, Education, Nursing, Science, Lifestyle Medicine, Tourism, Information Technology, Engineering, Psychological Science and Community Welfare, as well as three research students.
The graduation was live streamed on the University’s Facebook channel.