Amazing Grace: from student to staff
Grace Atta studied a Double Degree in Media and Arts (majoring in Psychology) and in 2024 she will cross the stage at Bonython Hall to graduate.
In high school, Grace did well in all her subjects and contrary to the advice of those around her, at university she chose to develop her storytelling skills to create empathy and inspire change.
You have just completed a double degree in media and psychology, how did you become interested in those areas of study?
I struggled all the way up until the end of Year 12 with knowing what I wanted to do at university and what I wanted to do for work. Even though English was my favourite subject, many people expected me to be a doctor because I got good grades and a good ATAR and so culturally, that was a big expectation that I struggled with. I asked myself, ‘should I do something because everyone else tells me that's what I should be doing because it’s respectable or a well-paid job, or should I pursue something that I'm passionate about?’
Eventually, it occurred to me that I've always wanted to be a storyteller, I've always wanted to be a writer. Growing up I was always reading and writing in my free time. I think I just had to have the courage to admit that was the path I wanted to take, even though it was not what people were expecting from me.
What were some of your most enjoyable experiences at university?
I think it’s the small moments. When I finally get a skill I’ve always wanted and I think to myself, ‘I’m finally here’. Some of the bigger moments were learning how to write news stories and how to interview and then using those skills while volunteering at Radio Adelaide (the community radio station).
What got me there was hard work, support from lecturers and tutors, making connections with different people and learning from other students.Grace Atta
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It’s been great to bounce ideas around with my peers and share the stress of trying something for the first time — there’s a community that comes from that, a feeling of camaraderie.
What has surprised you the most about your university experience?
How much support is available. In high school I was told that at university there would not be any support from lecturers and tutors and that you are on your own so you’re going to have to figure it out. It’s true there’s a lot of autonomy and you do need to organise your time well, however, I found that all my lecturers were keen to chat and answer questions.
What is the achievement you are most proud of at university?
That I have finished it!ÌýThe past few years were quite difficult for me, with COVID, a change in family dynamics and housing, and working three days a week on top of study. For nearly four years, I’ve done seven-day weeks, and no, I don’t recommend that, but I had rent to pay in a cost-of-living crisis. Even though I was hard on myself at the time, I look back and know I did the best I could in each of my courses and I’m so proud of that.
How has working at the university in the communications team changed your perception of yourself?
I have been very lucky to have a nice transition from study to work. In my last semester, the study load was less, and I was able to work more and dip my toes into what professional life is like. I expected to feel a lot of anxiety and imposter syndrome when I started working at the Uni, however, because I have received nothing but support and encouragement in the Comms team, then I’ve felt confident, capable and supported to experiment with new ideas. Plus, I have been lucky to be able to apply some of my studies in the workplace in a matter of months.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Long term I want to pursue storytelling as a core part of the work that I do and so ideally I want to get into the journalism space within the next five years. My 10–15-year plan is to work in long-form journalism or investigative journalism to tell stories about big issues.
Link: about Rundle Mall's dancing busker Bobo that Grace wrote for CityMag while an intern with Solstice Media in 2023.