Receiving a degree is a big milestone in one’s education, but Seymour resident Thanh Son Chung took it more steps further.
Mr Chung, a mature-age student at Charles Sturt University, graduated on Wednesday, September 11 with a Bachelor of General Studies.
Not only did he receive his degree, but he is also the recipient of the Undergraduate University Medal.
The medal is awarded by the university to students who complete the requirements and achieve a grade point average of 6.75 or higher.
“I was surprised because I used to see people get medals before but only for people doing honours,” Mr Chung said.
“It’s a very memorable experience.”
Mr Chung, born in Vietnam, said his parents were the driving force for him to finish his education.
“Mum and Dad, in the 1970s, they stayed in battlefield areas during the Vietnam War,” he said.
“So to even go to schools and stick it out, it’s very tough with all the bombing around.
“Eventually, Mum and Dad finished their degrees under such circumstances.”
He said that his mum, TF, and dad, Long, had to evacuate and stay in a cave to be safe during the war.
Mr Chung said he never told his parents that he was doing his degree.
“I did this degree part-time, so I didn’t tell them,” he said.
“When I told them that I did the degree, have finished, and I got the medal, they were very surprised and proud.”
His parents flew all the way from Vietnam to attend his graduation ceremony.
“I was very happy and honoured,” T.F. Chung said.
“Hardship makes a person.
“Education can make you knowledgable about the wars around you.
“If you can do that, you can overcome hardship and can become successful in the future because you have that determination to succeed.”
Now that Mr Chung has graduated, he is looking forward to the future.
“It’s an absolute honour (to receive the medal),” he said.
“I’m very proud of Thanh, so very honoured and privileged to have those memories,” T.F. Chung said.
Mr Chung is now planning to continue into his post graduate studies.
“Education is the key to success,” he said.
“It opens a lot of doors.”
Now that he’s graduated, Mr Chung has a message to all those who plan to complete their degrees, and aspire to receive a university medal.
“I’d say just try your best,” he said.
“By trying your best in your degrees, you can open locked doors in the future.
“You can do postgraduate degrees if you do research, and it will be very helpful.
“Education is key. It will open a lot of opportunities.”