University of Technology Sydney: Part 3 — My Personal Connection
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has a unique history that reflects its forward-thinking and dynamic nature. Formed in the late 1980s as a merger between two institutes, UTS officially gained university status in the early 1990s. This merger brought together practical and academic expertise, making it a hub for innovation, research, and industry collaboration. But for me, UTS is much more than an institution with a rich history — it’s a place deeply intertwined with my own family’s story.
A Family Legacy at UTS
UTS first became part of our family’s journey in 1996, when my father decided to pursue his Master’s degree there. It was a pivotal moment for him, marking a leap into a new chapter of professional and personal growth. But the experience wasn’t without its challenges. Like many international students, my father balanced his studies with a part-time job, working shifts at Coles on his days off from university to support his education and family.
My mom and sister accompanied him to Sydney, making the journey even more significant. My sister, who was just a baby at the time, grew up hearing stories about their life in Sydney — stories of my father’s perseverance, my mom’s unwavering support, and the small yet meaningful milestones they experienced as a young family in a foreign country.
One of the most poignant parts of their story is that my father didn’t attend his UTS graduation ceremony. My mom, pregnant with me at the time, needed to return to Indonesia, and my father chose to be by her side. His decision to prioritize family over personal achievements became a defining moment in our family’s narrative.
A Full Circle Moment
Years later, when I decided to pursue my Master’s degree, UTS was the natural choice. Not only was it a world-class institution, but it also held a special meaning for our family. Walking the same halls my father once did, living in the same city where he worked to build a better future for us — it all felt like a full-circle moment.
Like my father, I too attended UTS and took on a part-time job to support myself, an experience I’ve shared in Part 1 of this series. Following in his footsteps, balancing academics and work, gave me a deeper appreciation of his journey and the sacrifices he made. It connected me even more profoundly to the legacy he created during his time in Sydney.
Graduation day was particularly emotional and deeply meaningful for my family. Long before the ceremony, my father and I often joked about how he never got to attend his own graduation ceremony at UTS. The idea stuck with me, and I even explored the possibility of him officially attending as a graduate. Unfortunately, since he had graduated 26 years ago, it wasn’t feasible.
On the day of my graduation, after the official ceremony, during the photo session, I took off my gown and handed it to him. Watching him wear the gown and stand proudly for photos was a moment I’ll never forget. It was as if, in that brief moment, we both celebrated not only my achievement but also his — acknowledging his resilience and the sacrifices he made all those years ago. That photo captured something profound: two generations of UTS graduates, united by a shared journey and an unbreakable bond.
UTS and the Meaning of Family
For our family, UTS represents more than academic excellence. It symbolizes perseverance, opportunity, and the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges. Each visit to Sydney feels like revisiting a chapter of our shared history, filled with stories of hard work, love, and dreams realized.
As I reflect on my time at UTS, I see not just the lessons I learned in the classroom but also the deeper connections that tie me to this place. It’s a reminder that education is not just about individual success — it’s about the people who support you along the way and the legacy you carry forward.
UTS has been a cornerstone of my family’s story, and I’m proud to be part of its history. Whether it’s through my father’s journey, my own, or the memories we continue to create, this institution will always hold a special place in our hearts.
