Fast forward to graduation, the future of teaching is bright

It was in high school when Lidya Rivai discovered Western Sydney University through the Fast Forward program.

Fast Forward is Western’s partnership with high schools throughout Western Sydney, encouraging students from year 9 onwards to recognise the value in continuing their education through to year 12 and beyond, helping them to commit to senior schooling and assisting in subject selection with a focus on future career choices.

“Western has been an institution that I’ve been heavily and closely involved with since I was in high school. I had the opportunity to visit multiple Western campuses and participate in information sessions, leadership workshops and career seminars,” said Lidya.

Excited for what her future could like at the University, Lidya took a gap year while her citizenship was being processed to work and save up enough money to fund her desired university experience.

She then cemented her choice when she was awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship.

“As I was a permanent resident at the time and not yet an Australian citizen, having a financial security net to aid me in my studies while working was a huge asset and ultimately was the deciding factor in choosing Western.”

Lidya was also drawn to Western Sydney University because of its diverse and multicultural population that created a sense of belonging for her during a time of change, as she navigated an unfamiliar path as the first in her family to consider higher education.

“As an Indonesian person, though the proximity of Australia to my birth country is close, I saw very few other Indonesian people in my high schools. Once I attended Western, however, not only did I see many other Asian students, but students from my religious background, too.”

“Now, rather than being the odd one out, I was just like everyone else.”

As Lidya looks forward to graduating next week with a Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Secondary) from the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, she looks back on her studies with the fondest of memories.

“I studied a diverse degree that has allowed me to explore so many of my interests. From mathematics to communications, I feel that I’ve been taught and tested in ways that have both affirmed and challenged my perceptions and forced me to be agile and adaptable, characteristics that are necessary for future work.”

“Though studying can be extremely difficult, it has brought me so much joy, experience and knowledge.

“I have thrived on the independence that University brings and because of this I’ve been able to meet new people and have not only new social experiences but professional ones as well.”

Currently working as the Casual Student Clubs Assistant and Casual Newsletter Collation Assistant at Western, Lidya is also completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary) and is looking forward to one day teaching secondary students in mathematics.

Lidya has immersed herself in every aspect of university life, recognising her participation is student clubs and societies as a highlight of her time at university.

“I’ve met so many people and the enrichment and enjoyment of my university experience has definitely been a result of how much I participated in things beyond just my classes.”

“While you may think that being involved in extra curriculars or trying to make new friends shouldn’t be prioritised over your studies, it is the inclusion of a life outside of academia that will truly enrich and fulfil you.”