Diana Lee
QACI (International Student) Graduate 2021
Hi, my name is Diana, a proud QACI alumnus who graduated in 2021, and I'm here to share with you my post-QACI journey.
Graduating from QACI was the most defining chapter in my life. I have so many fond memories of my time at QACI, from meeting some of my favorite teachers to building lifelong friendships. QACI not only shaped me academically but also gave me a sense of belonging and ambition. During high school, I would often study at the UQ library and never once thought that one day I would come back to this place as a university student.
After QACI, I chose to study in Singapore because it’s relatively close to my home country, Korea, and also for its global reputation in terms of excellence in education. Admission to the top universities in Singapore was a huge accomplishment, and I chose to study at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), simply because my sister and close friends were there. Even my friends in Australia threw me a heartfelt goodbye party, which really made my departure bittersweet.
I studied Business and Computer Science at NTU because I believed it would secure my future. However, the huge workload and lack of passion for my studies threw this goal off-balance, as it was difficult to excel. It then became clear that I needed something more fulfilling, so after much reflection, I changed to a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Queensland — a field in which I feel is more aligned to my interest and goals.
Restarting studies in Queensland was hard. It felt a bit embarrassing to go back after such a big farewell, but I knew it was the right decision. Queensland already felt like home, and UQ gave me the opportunity to reset and pursue a degree with purpose. And my IB score from QACI played a huge role in doing this transition.
Although starting over came with its challenges, I have never regretted my decision. That period in Singapore taught me resilience and helped me realise what I truly want in life. Coming back to Queensland feels like completing a full circle, and I am excited for the new chapter ahead, building on the foundation I started at QACI.