Darcey’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and community. From her initial experiences as an international student navigating postgraduate challenges to becoming a leader who unites and uplifts others, Darcey’s story is one of ambition and heart. As she steps into her post-graduation chapter, she carries with her not only a robust academic foundation but also a network of peers and experiences that will continue to inspire her future endeavours.
Reading time: 3-4 minutes.
Meet Darcey, a final-year Master of Commerce student. Originally from Vietnam, Darcey’s journey to postgraduate education in Australia has been both challenging and transformative.
Darcey’s academic journey began in France, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in industrial management. This foundation laid the groundwork for her career in logistics, supply chain, and finance in Vietnam, where she gained valuable industry experience. With a keen desire to advance her expertise and take on new challenges, Darcey set her sights on further studies abroad. With many friends choosing to study abroad in the US, the UK, Korea and Europe, Darcey was one of the only to choose Australia. Perth’s peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to her bustling, big-city hometown of Ho Chi Minh City, provided the perfect backdrop for focused, reflective study and personal growth.
Moving to Perth and beginning her next stage of studying presented a range of challenges. Navigating postgraduate studies required Darcey to adapt to self-paced learning and overcome language barriers. However, her proactive nature and commitment to developing effective time management skills empowered her to excel academically. Darcey found support in the university’s diverse learning community, drawing on the collective experiences of her peers and the guidance of her lecturers, but despite the academic rigor, she sought to enrich her university experience beyond the classroom. Darcey decided to join events, international clubs, faculty club and coaching events, which quickly became the highlight of her Masters’ experience.
Feeling inspired, and recognising the importance of community, she founded the Vietnamese Association at Curtin, creating a space for over 500 Vietnamese students to come together, share experiences, and support one another. Prior to creating the club, Darcey found it difficult to find friends who spoke the same language, nor had met any Vietnamese students in her degree. Feelings of isolation motivated her to grow this idea of starting a Guild club, which quickly became a cornerstone of Darcey’s time at Curtin. She encourages international students to seek out community groups and initiatives that resonate with their backgrounds and interests, sharing the importance of finding a network that uplifts you, the value of mutual support and benefits of shared understanding.
Over her journey, Darcey balanced her studies with full-time work, gaining firsthand insight into the art of multitasking and discipline. Darcey emphasises that effective time management is crucial for students looking to maximise their experience. As she approaches graduation, Darcey is eager to channel her knowledge and experience into her career. With a strong background in data and business analysis, she hopes to leverage these skills in a role that allows her to innovate and contribute to meaningful projects in her field. Darcey’s dedication to personal growth and helping others extends beyond her time studying, envisioning a future where she can mentor and inspire other international students facing similar challenges. The leadership experience gained from founding the Vietnamese Association has solidified her desire to stay connected with the broader international student community, whether through professional avenues or volunteer work. Her passion for bridging cultural gaps and building supportive networks remains central to her goals.
