By Luke Voogt
Torquay student Amanda Edgar topped Deakin University’s optometry class while performing life-saving treatment on cancer patients in Melbourne.
“It was hard work but it was worth it,” she told the Indy prior to her graduation on Wednesday.
The registered radiographer was one of 2000 students who graduated from the university this week.
She will feature in Optometry Victoria’s bi-monthly publication after winning its award for most outstanding Deakin graduate.
The 30-year-old grew up in Torquay and studied radiology in Melbourne, before getting a job at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
“It was just a passion to help people and for science as well,” she said.
“I want to use my understanding to help (patients) in their darkest days.”
Amanda continued her job part-time when she returned to university to complete a Bachelor of Vision Science and a Master of Optometry.
She chose the degree for the university’s placement options, and had a few choice reasons for studying in Geelong.
“It’s great being able to go for a surf,” she said.
The university’s government-sponsored outreach programs for Aboriginal communities also appealed to Amanda.
“We go into these communities and provide them with health care they otherwise wouldn’t receive.”
Amanda has kept busy after completing her studies a few months ago, getting a job as an optometrist and a teacher at Deakin, while continuing as a radiation therapist.
Deakin Dean of Medicine Professor Jon Watson described Amanda’s work ethic as “quite remarkable”.
“She’s a delightful person and a great student,” he said.
“They often say give a busy person a job and she’s a good example of that – it’s amazing how much she fits into her day.”
The course Amanda completed was new at the university, he said.
“This is our third group of graduates so it will be great for them to have a strong role model like that.”
Also among the graduates was Canberran Ken Taylor who received his PhD just weeks out from his 80th birthday.
The honorary architecture professor said the PhD was an opportunity to bring together his lifetime of research subjects, including cultural geography and town planning.
His latest work focussed on changing attitudes to cultural heritage theory and practice internationally and in South East Asia.
“I’m very grateful to Deakin for giving me the opportunity, as it made me reflect on 30 years of work, and investigate a wealth of new literature,” he said.
A dozen school business managers from public schools in Western Australia travelled 3000km for the graduation after completing a Deakin graduate course.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander congratulated the graduating class on the culmination of their years of hard work and commitment.
“Graduation ceremonies at Deakin are not only a recognition of the sacrifice and dedication of our students, but a celebration of the power of learning to change lives,” she said.
“Our graduates come from a diverse range of backgrounds, but they have joined together through their shared aim of unlocking their potential and becoming empowered to make a difference in whatever fields they choose to pursue.“
