Ms Pogelschek graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and was proud to have been chosen to represent her fellow graduates at yesterday's ceremony.

After moving to Tasmania from Europe in 2016, Ms Pogelschek enrolled initially enrolled in TAFE where she completed a certificate in tourism.

At TAFE, she won the TICT International Student of the Year award at the 2016 TasTAFE Student Excellence Awards.

She hopes to combine her love of tourism with the additional skills of her Business Degree to further her career.

"I had been working in tourism for quite some time, I thought in addition to my knowledge about Tasmania and the tourism industry, it would be really helpful to know how to run a business."

After starting her career in education, Ms Pogelschek found that going on to further study as a mature-aged student meant that she knew more about herself and the future she wanted.

"I know how to deal with stress and look after myself, I've learned to take a step back if I need to," she said.

Her experience with studying at the University of Tasmania was a positive one- sighting lectures, tutors and her fellow students as inspiration.

"I learnt so much more than I expected. And not just the academic side of it, but about myself," she said.

"Completing our studies taught us a lot about ourselves. How well we cope with time pressure.

"How we overcome the fear of failure. How we deal with isolation.

"How we motivate ourselves."

Reflecting on her time at university, the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on the student experience was palpable but nevertheless, Ms Pogelschek was proud of what she and her fellow graduates achieved under the circumstances after nearly a year of remote learning.

"I am deeply honoured to be here today, speaking on behalf of my fellow graduates," she said. "It fills me with great joy that we were able to come together in these uncertain times to reflect on our journey, to celebrate our achievements, and to start the next chapter in our lives."

Looking towards the future, Ms Pogelschek is looking towards a long career in tourism- strengthen by her new qualifications in business. "The plan is continue to further my career and take it step by step- build on my career as a grow," she said.

Reflecting on her first day at UTAS, Ms Pogelschek remembers how nervous she was and the fears she held about balancing work, life and study.

"It has been a long journey since then. A journey with its ups and downs, a journey that has taught me many lessons," she said

"And I am very grateful for everything I have learnt.

"Not just the academic knowledge and skills, but also the problem-solving, cooperation, self-organisation and self-reflection."

Addressing the crowd of fellow graduates, Ms Pogelschek was thankful for all the people that had helped shaped her university experience.

"Last but not least, a big thank you to all of my fellow students for their companionship and encouragement," she said.

"All of us together build the community of the UTAS.

"Let us now celebrate, and let us contribute our knowledge and inspiration to a bright future."