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"This is recognition for quite a few years of hard work and for honestly living my dreams."
It has been a year of achievement for Diploma of Information Technology student, Ricardo Zalewski.
Ricardo was nominated in the 2005 Outstanding Student of the Year Awards – Vocational category and the Terry O’ Banion Student Technology Awards.
“This is recognition for quite a few years of hard work and for honestly living my dreams,” Ricardo said.
Ricardo said whilst a person might not always achieve what they intended, it was important they try their best.
“This is why, at 38 years of age, I continue to study at Box Hill Institute,” he said.
When Ricardo graduates, he plans to attend university and become an information technology professional.
Ricardo began his IT career as a volunteer at Templestowe Valley Primary School.
He originally approached the school to develop a website and the school was so happy with his work that they asked him to teach IT skills to grade 4 and 5 students.
As an Argentinean migrant, Ricardo believed one of his biggest achievements was establishing himself and his family in Australia.
“Migration brings many challenges and I have overcome many obstacles,” Ricardo said.
After working in the building industry and various factories, Ricardo felt formal study would help him adapt to his new life.
“I have always seen work and study as an important way to integrate into Australian society,” Ricardo said.
“Without the opportunity … it would have been extremely difficult to improve my English and work skills and that would have impacted on my feeling of becoming a true Australian.”
16 June 2005
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