Love and learning for FedUni students

LOVE blossomed for two students while studying at Federation University, and who graduated last week with more than 740 of their peers at Founders Theatre, Mount Helen.

Nikhil Penki (Master of Social Work) and Felicia Chin (Master of Clinical Psychology) met through mutual friends.

The couple are engaged and building a life in the Ballarat community.

“Ballarat is where we met, and where we’re building our lives and careers together,” Mr Penki said.

Both have transitioned into local careers, with Mr Penki working for the City of Ballarat and Cafs, while Ms Chin is employed as a psychologist at Ballarat Grammar and Mind and Seek Psychology.

Ms Chin had mixed feelings about graduating.

“For me, graduating is a bittersweet experience; I had a wonderful time being a student at FedUni,” she said.

“It gave me the opportunity to form more social connections, helped me get postgraduate employment and make a lot of friends along the way.”

Mr Penki originally started at a different university studying a different discipline.

“Throughout my FedUni experience, I was able to get a lot of help and support in my journey as a student,” he said.

“Having moved from a different university, I noticed the difference in the way Federation looks after students by presenting them with opportunities to socialise and volunteer.”

Both students said they would encourage other students to embrace every opportunity.

“My advice is to make the effort to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, so you can make lifelong memories, friendships and gather new experiences,” Mr Penki said.

Ms Chin said current and future university students should simply put their hand up at any time to get the most out of uni life.