Alvaro Valdes Salazar.
More than 1,300 ECU students donned their regalia, caps and gowns to cross the graduation stage over the weekend.
For School of Science student and Graduate Speaker Alvaro Valdes Salazar, graduating with a Master of Data Science was an accumulation of hard work and dedication and a result of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve your dreams.
Pursuing further study
Hailing from a city called Arica, in North Chile, Alvaro first studied industrial engineering and worked in several sectors including tertiary education, healthcare and transportation.
Wanting to experience life in another part of the world, Alvaro and his partner came to Australia as backpackers in 2019.
With their travel plans halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alvaro decided to pursue further study, spurred on by his love of learning.
"I am very interested in everything related to technology and that’s one of the reasons why I chose to study Data Science at ECU," Alvaro said.
"I have always been interested in programming and solving problems, and due to my background as an Industrial Engineer, I have a math background on how to optimize processes. Data Science is the result of both skills combined."
Hard work pays off
Alvaro's hard work and dedication has seen him graduating with High Distinctions across all units in his course.
"Despite English not being my first language, I gave my very best in every single test and project. All of these efforts were rewarded and I was selected as one of the top 100 best students in 2022," Alvaro said.
"That was one of the proudest moments of my life, and I say it in a very humble way."
Not only has Alvaro's dedication translated into exceptional academic performance, he has also shared his knowledge with his peers through working at the ECU Library as a peer assistant, the Student Hub as a student assistant and was a guest speaker for the Career Hub's workshop on finding employment.
Knowledge and skills for the future
As part of his Master of Data Science course, Alvaro was also selected for an internship at global tech giant IBM for his Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
"That experience was amazing because I had the opportunity to experience how a big tech company works here in Australia," Alvaro said.
"Moreover, it gave me the confidence that I needed for my future career.
"I would like to use my knowledge and skills in something that could be helpful for the environment and people. In other words, to make the world a better place to live."
The ECU experience
Reflecting on his past two years of study, Alvaro shares that the people he met while studying made up the ECU experience.
"I loved the diversity and inclusion, good vibes from all of the staff and how there's always help for those who ask at ECU," Alvaro said.
"The quality of lecturers also surprised me, they had a lot of experience in their field, and the way they explained complex concepts in an easy way was very helpful, and I really appreciated that."
University learnings
For Alvaro, being selected to be Graduate Speaker was an unexpected dream come true.
"Throughout my whole life, I flirted with the idea and the opportunities to do something like this but never did. Now, being selected is like a dream," he said.
"I have learned in my life that a degree or qualification doesn't define you as a person. So, if in any given time you decide to change your life or the course of your career, just do it.
"Getting out of the comfort zone is always beneficial. I left my country almost five years ago to experience living in an English-speaking country and to travel around Australia.
"Now I have graduated and was also picked as Graduate Speaker. All of this wouldn't have been possible without getting out of my comfort zone."
Honorary degrees
Among the graduates at the ECU September graduations were two influential leaders paving the way through Noongar culture and language and aged care and mental health care services.
Professor Leonard (Len) Michael Collard
Doctor of Education honoris causa
An inspirational leader for studying and educating society on Noongar culture and language, Professor Collard has dedicated over three decades of teaching, leading and advocating for Australia's Aboriginal people. Professor Collard is a well-respected Whudjuk Nyungar Elder and Traditional Owner and was recognised in 2022 as a WA Nominee for Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards.
Mr Roshana (Rosh) Chularatne Neelagama Jalagge
Doctor of the University honoris causa
A highly successful entrepreneur with an enduring commitment to communities within Sri Lanka and Western Australia, Mr Jalagge has provided important facilities and services to challenging areas of aged care and mental health care. Mr Jalagge established Roshana Care Group which employs over 750 people, providing care and support to some of the most vulnerable members of society, and is also the Honorary Consul from Sri Lanka in WA.
For more information about the benefits of ECU's alumni network, visit the Alumni webpages.
