As the University of the Sunshine Coast reaches a major milestone – 40,000 graduates and counting – a 61-year-old is celebrating an achievement of her own.
Sharon Jones, who enrolled at 57 full of self-doubt and with no university experience, will receive UniSC’s top graduating honour, as more than 2200 graduate from UniSC campuses this April and May.
“I one hundred percent never thought I had what it took to be a university student,” Ms Jones said.
“I didn’t believe that I was good enough, but I’ve proven to myself that I am.”
Ms Jones didn’t just complete her Bachelor of Animal Ecology – she revelled in it – graduating with a remarkable grade point average of 6.53 out of a possible 7 across all her subjects.
“I didn’t do maths at school, so I was daunted about learning statistics and other academic skills, but I actually did really well,” she said, adding that it took a lot of hard work and very late nights to achieve her results.
Even her “hardest subject” became one of her favourites: investigating how animals respond to global change, including the effects of marine plastics on marine animals.
“Walking along the beach with Associate Professor Kathy Townsend and seeing how plastic debris can impact the turtle populations and other marine life – that’s something you can’t unsee,” she said.
“I’ve become so passionate about how we can eradicate plastics and other pollutants that enter our oceans at the source. That’s why we come here to uni – to make a difference.”
UniSC Chancellor Sir Angus Houston said it wasn’t just Ms Jones’ academic excellence and commitment that earned her the Chancellor’s Medal, but also her commitment to grassroots conservation and supporting others.
“Sharon epitomised leadership, determination, and the spirit of community during her time at UniSC,” he said.
“From monitoring turtle nests to leading beach clean-ups and educating children about sustainability, Sharon exemplifies what it means to serve the community with purpose. She contributed to organisations such as TurtleCare Sunshine Coast, Sea Shepherd, and Sunshine Coast Council.
“As a student volunteer, leader, and representative, she welcomed new students and participated in careers expos and research projects, earning a Student Leadership Award.
“Sharon not only redefined her own identity but also encouraged mature-aged students to pursue university with courage and dedication.”
Ms Jones said she never felt like a mature student and had only ever felt welcome at UniSC.
“I’ve had amazing teaching staff. They really are incredible and are so supportive.
“I’m just one very passionate person who sadly found my passion later in life, and I’m not going to let it go until the day I die.
“I feel like I’ve had this new lease on life. Like I’ve been let out of a cage. I feel like I’m flying now.”
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