Student Profiles
Nasrullah Sadeqi
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of International Studies (Melbourne Burwood campus)
In 2005 Nasrullah (Nasser) Sadeqi had just arrived in Australia from Afghanistan and the only English words he spoke were yes and no. Fast forward just six years and Nasser is studying a combined degree in Commerce and International Studies at Deakin's Burwood campus and nursing ambitions to own and operate his own business.
After attending a language centre in Sydney soon after his arrival in Australia, Nasser and his family moved to Shepparton where he joined year 7 at age 12. He quickly improved his command of English and, on completion of year 12 in 2010, was delighted to gain admission to his Deakin course. Being awarded one of Deakin's First in Family grants was an added bonus and helped him achieve the first milestone in his promising career. 'I applied for all the scholarships I could apply for and this one was amongst them,' he says. 'It was a good surprise.'
Because a combined degree in commerce and international Studies was not available to him in Shepparton, Nasser says he was planning to move to Melbourne to study regardless of a scholarship or grant. But receiving a financial boost made relocating much easier. 'It has been really good for me to move to Melbourne and the grant really made a difference.' While researching his course options, Deakin's trimester program also attracted him, he adds. 'It meant I could finish my course sooner and that was a big thing for me.'
The course has also been to his liking, Nasser adds. 'It has been good so far - interesting - and I have enjoyed most the units. I plan to finish all the core units and then choose my majors for my commerce degree.'
A commerce degree fitted well with his aim to become a business man, Nasser says, but he is also interested in politics and international relations so the combined course suited him. 'I am interested in learning how the world works and that is why I am doing international relations.' His parents are justifiably very proud of his achievements, he says.
Nasser also enjoys the Burwood campus environment. 'I like the atmosphere. It is very friendly and open,' he says. 'I like the flexibility - that I can miss a lecture and make it up with an i-lecture, and that the trimester system means I don't have to have a huge break. I can keep studying and finish my four-year course in three years.'
Nasser's advice to other students new to Australia is to follow their interests. 'Do what you are good at and what interests you - that is the way to happiness.'
