While the 2018 HSC students received their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) in late December, some were pleased and accepted their university places and are getting prepared for study. Others may still be disappointed and undecided on what the future holds.
One student, however, swam against the stream to build the life she wanted!
Sophia Dalisay, a Filipino student spent her final high school years immersed in the singing competitions and the arts. Raised by Filipino parents, Sophia made it to the Battle Rounds of ‘The Voice’ Teens
“It was an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. I was given the opportunity to be the only contestant from Australia as well as being able to sing on television. My singing coach introduced me to many singing competitions at RSL Clubs in Sydney, at which I’ve had great success of winning 9 Talent Quest Grand finals,” said SophiA.
Having focused on creativity during school, Sophia was disappointed with her ATAR score.
“I was not my best self at school, I couldn’t find the balance. My friends and my activities became the focus, rather than my studies. I did not get the ATAR I hoped for but I’m very thankful I was able to get into my course at UTS through UTS Insearch.”
Despite Sophia’s passion for singing, she is determined to follow her family members footsteps to be an architect, with the option of a musical career.“My Dad and Uncle are an inspiration to me having studied Science and Architecture. They are my mentors.” Sophia yeah yeah was resolute in reaching her potential and enrolled to study a Diploma of Design & Architecture at UTS Insearch, leading into a Bachelor of Design in Architecture at UTS.
“I feel the purpose of Architecture is to highlight the importance of how people respond to the built environment. I believe that structures should be built with a purpose of allowing utilisers to feel that they are a part of the space. Presenting my major work at the UTS Insearch Design exhibition was a thrill,” she said.
