Meg Schaefer never got to take to the stage to collect her testamur when she finished her undergraduate degree in human nutrition. The moment was unfortunately overtaken by the global pandemic in the early months of 2020.
But after finishing two further years of study to complete a masters degree, Miss Schaefer finally got the chance to don the cap and gown and celebrate her academic achievements.
"I was super disappointed when COVID didn't allow me to graduate from my bachelor," she said.
"I had my fingers crossed since then that I would be able to come back and be with all my friends and have my family here and have them watch me graduate. I'm very, very grateful."
Moving from Grenfell, a small town in central west New South Wales, to Canberra for her studies was overwhelming at first.
"I'd been to Canberra to stay on trips with my family in the past, but actually living here and studying here is a lot to get used to, lots more traffic and traffic lights even ... to begin with it was an adjustment but I loved it. First year of uni I had so much fun."
Studying during the pandemic was stressful at times as classes went online and she moved back to her hometown.
The final year involved work placements in hospitals to give the students practical experience of working with patients and developing plans tailored to their needs.
Miss Schaefer now works part time in Wagga Wagga as a musculoskeletal dietitian, working with people who have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in the outpatient setting within the hospital.
"I'm very lucky to have even a part time job at the moment because I do know a lot of my friends are struggling to find even just a job," she said.
"There's a very much a need for dietitians, but not very many publicly funded jobs."
She said there was a misconception that dietitians were the food police and they were going to put patients on a strict diet.
"Our patients are so nice, and I really connect with them. Coming from a small country town I'm able to build rapport and get on their level and share the same concerns as they do," Miss Schaefer said.
Students became alumni of the University of Canberra during seven ceremonies this week at the National Convention Centre.
Vice-chancellor Paddy Nixon said it was a chance to celebrate their ability to rise to the occasion when faced with a challenge.
"What each and every one of them has achieved is really remarkable - and I know I speak for the entire UC community when I say that we are very proud of them," Vice-chancellor Nixon said.
