Receiving a lower ATAR than expected didn’t stop Ali Calafiore from chasing her dream to be a writer. ‘I always wanted to be a writer, and I had planned to take a degree in professional and creative writing straight out of high school. However, I did not get the ATAR score I wanted and was devastated. Luckily, with the help of the student advisors at Deakin University I was able to be placed into the Associate Degree of Arts which helped me eventually get into the degree I wanted. The associate degree helped the transition into uni immensely and I cannot recommend it enough. I completed a Bachelor of Creative Writing last year and am now doing my Honours year,’ she says.
This course has exceeded my expectation. Not only has it taught me various writing styles such as poetry, screenwriting, and prose. It has also prepared me for entering the industry, and how to promote myself. On top of that, it has given me confidence in my own ability as a writer and improved my skills.
Ali has seized many opportunities to develop her skills and experience during her time at Deakin. ‘I am the Vice President of DARGH, the Deakin Anime and Gaming Club, I help organise the social network for the club as well as organise special weekend events. I am also a Mentor for the Deakin Engagement and Access programs. Basically, I go around to primary and high schools and help kids decide what they want to do in the future, encouraging them to think positively about themselves and be excited for what life brings after they graduate.’
Ali would recommend Deakin because ‘the staff at Deakin are lovely. The professors for my degree are incredibly supportive and encouraging. I have found them so approachable and they are great at giving feedback and helping me understand what I need to do in order to reach my goals as a writer in the industry.’
‘I love the community and support. I love how there is always someone out there to help you if you need it. I never really fit in during high school but at Deakin, I have found so many lifelong friends and a new sense of confidence in myself and my ability. I think Deakin is much more relaxed and open. Deakin encourages pathways and there is heaps of support for students. Deakin provides so many opportunities for students to travel as well and students get to see the world while they study,’ She says.
Ali Calafiore
Bachelor of Creative Writing*
*Course is now titled Bachelor of Creative Arts, which has majors in Publishing and Writing.
