HSC mystery mark to Dean’s Medal
Afifa Fahez is the epitome of hard work. After falling short of achieving an ATAR high enough to directly enter a teaching degree at Western Sydney University, she did things the hard way to finish in the top two per cent of her degree.
Afifa says she worked hard in high school but didn't get the results she was looking for.
"I was into my study during high school but I felt I just couldn't get there. I bombed out in my HSC and so in order to get into university I went through The College at the University.
"When I entered my degree I felt like I had more freedom. The quality of teaching was really good and hands on," says Afifa.
Afifa hit her stride at university and finished in the top two per cent of her cohort. She was awarded the Dean's Medal along with the Sarah Hilton Memorial Award for Outstanding Results in English.
She is now working as a year one teacher and says her degree prepared her well for life after studying.
"I'm currently working at Salamah College where I started as a casual during my degree. My course more than prepared me for my current job and I'm really enjoying it."
Afifa says the support from her parents and partner was a great help in reaching her goals.
"My parents along with my husband were a big support throughout this degree, and without their unconditional love and support I would not have achieved all that I have to date."
Ends
16 September 2016
Latest News

Centre for Western Sydney experts offer election commentary
As polling for the NSW Election gets underway, experts from regional thinktank, the Centre for Western Sydney based at Western Sydney University, are available for media interviews.

Western celebrates 2023 Fulbright Scholarship awardees
Western Sydney University warmly welcomes two top young researchers from the United States as part of the 2023 Fulbright Scholarship program – Camille Kilayko Sicangco from the University of Florida, and John Robertson Schaefer from Harvard University.

Why peace negotiations haven’t gained any traction in the Ukraine war – and how the stalemate could be broken
A year after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine is in ruins. At least 8,000 civilians have died, with millions displaced. Generations of infrastructure have been destroyed. Large tracts of the environment and agricultural land have been devastated.
Mobile options: