Students in Focus
Stepping out of your comfort zone can set you up for success
Alyssa Ford grew up in the rural New South Wales town of Narrabri, an approximate eight-hour road trip from the national capital – which the University of Canberra student now calls home.
As a teenager, she had her sights set on playing professional cricket, and represented NSW in various junior cricket tournaments, even notching a few wins as captain. She was on track to make her mark in professional sport.
“I had it all planned. I was going to play sport professionally, get signed with teams and paid to play. I thought that was the goal. There was nothing else – it was like I had tunnel vision,” Alyssa says.
Then life took a turn. Alyssa suffered a serious knee injury at the age of 16, had to undergo multiple surgeries and found herself on the bench. Her aspirations for a professional cricket career ended abruptly.
“I was like, well, I've got to do something else then. I couldn't see myself just getting a job when I graduated from Year 12 – not that there's anything wrong with that, I just didn’t see myself doing it.
“I wanted to do something in the health field, something meaningful that would impact people. Physiotherapy seemed the closest thing to sport that I felt I could do at that time.”
Alyssa then started to investigate university offerings across Australia that would meet her needs and study ambitions and settled on as her first option.
“Then it was time to apply. My parents couldn’t give me advice as they never attended university, so I relied on my teachers to help me when it all felt a little overwhelming.”
Alyssa’s decision to study at UC was motivated by two main factors. She felt that as the bush capital, Canberra was reminiscent of the country and small enough to feel homely, and offered practical courses, with good student support that would help her achieve her goals.
Reflecting on her earlier school years, Alyssa admits to not focusing too much on academics with so much time spent on the pitch, but she discovered a passion for study in senior high school.
“I was more into my sport in my earlier high school years, but after my injury, I decided to knuckle down and focus on my studies and finished Year 12 during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she says.
Alyssa’s sporting acumen and sheer determination on the field soon transferred to her studies and she ended up with a good ATAR that set her up for her university aspirations.
“I actually did really well in the end. Being motivated to take on something more meaningful in my life was what I needed to push me,” she says.
Alyssa worked multiple jobs while in high school. She and her twin sister shared two local paper runs for many years and split their earnings at the end of each week. She also spent time working in the local wheat fields during harvest, helping out at the fruit and veg store, and taking shifts at the local McDonald’s. She was determined.
“I did not come from a wealthy background, so I didn’t want to ask my parents for anything – they had their own bills to pay. Although, they would help me if I needed it,” she says.
“I set up a big spreadsheet at the end of Year 11, in which worked out how much things would cost. And in the end, I had enough to get started at UC and didn’t have to work for the first six months after arriving in Canberra.”
Today, Alyssa holds multiple jobs to help with her living expenses here in Canberra. She clearly likes to keep a study, work and life balance that is illustrative of her energy and passion.
“I'll be honest, I probably have more jobs than I need, but I'm one of those people that likes to stay busy,” she says.
“My first job in Canberra was as a barista at the Canberra Airport. Now, I work at an eye specialist in the city, which is more aligned with my studies, so that's my priority at the moment. I'm also a swim teacher.”
Alyssa started her bachelor’s degree in health science, and soon realised it wasn’t a good fit for her.
“So, I decided to see what alternatives for study were available to me. I just kind of looked through the options and was like, optometry – that’s not a bad idea. I got most of my credits transferred and I haven't looked back since.”
Fast forward a few years and Alyssa is about to head into her final semester of her Bachelor of Vision Science degree.
“I am in my final year of my undergraduate degree and will be heading into my Masters in 2026, for a further two years of study before I qualify to practise,” Alyssa says.
As an undergraduate student from rural NSW, Alyssa took up the accommodation guarantee option available to first year students at UC’s on-campus residence, Cooper Lodge.
“It was the best start for me. I was able to settle in with others who were going through the same challenges typically associated with the transition from the country to the city, and from college to university. I ended up spending three years at Cooper Lodge before opting for an off-campus rental in mid-2024.”
Alyssa acknowledges that her biggest challenges have centred around making ends meet. As a recent recipient of a (RASF) Rural Scholarship funded by . Alyssa encourages students coming to university to consider applying for scholarships that offer financial assistance.
“The peace of mind that comes from receiving financial support is a huge relief and makes a difference to a student’s success. I can fully attest to that,” she says.
“As I come from a rural area, I decided to apply for the RASF Rural Scholarship. I was lucky enough to be awarded one at the beginning of this year, which will see me through the last year of my undergraduate degree. It has been a huge relief.
“I would encourage students – whether from the ACT, rural or regional areas – to apply for a scholarship. Financial barriers shouldn’t stop someone from achieving their dreams. My advice is to go for it, you have more to gain than lose. You may be leaving your comfort zone, but it will only be uncomfortable for a very short time.”
Alyssa credits her resilience and independence to her parents – particularly her mum, who she says is her biggest supporter.
“My mum was the one who inspired me to follow my dreams and do the best I could at whatever I chose to do. She honestly always gives the best advice,” she says.
“She worked really hard to do everything she could for my sister and me. She supported us in our sport, put in a lot of work behind the scenes and always celebrated our achievements. She was never pushy and encouraged me to do whatever I had set my heart on, and to do it well.
“She was so happy that I decided to go to university. Mum is the first person I call when I am freaking out about exams. She will say ‘you've done the work, and you know your stuff’, and she’s always right!”
So what’s next for Alyssa? After completing her master’s degree in optometry, she plans to head back to Narrabri, the community that shaped her.
“I am looking forward to going back home and putting my skills and studies to good and meaningful use, like working at the local optometrist and traveling to nearby towns to help people in those areas too,” she says.
“It is important, I believe, to practise in regional or rural communities. There is a lot to gain from working with people who do not have easy access to services and, in particular, healthcare services.”
Alyssa shares more insightful personal reflections in the video below.
Words by Andy Visser, photos and video production by Liam Budge.