Russian born Julie Brandt decided a long time ago never to let an opportunity go by. So when the opportunity to study at Central Queensland University came by, she jumped at the chance.

That was seven years ago. Since then a lot has changed for Julie and this Saturday, October 1, she celebrate a huge milestone in her life - she will graduate with distinction from the Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management).

"In my country women are not as highly regarded as men and if you do not have money there are not so many opportunities. I learnt when something comes your way you go for it ... the worst that can happen is you miss out," Julie explained.

Julie came to Australia at the end of 1997 to be a bridesmaid for her cousin's wedding in Toowoomba. Through family friends she met her future husband who lived in Rockhampton at the time. They fell in love and married in Gladstone a couple of months later.

"When I came to Australia I could read and write a little, but could not speak English. By the time I met my husband, I could speak enough English for us to understand each other. After we married, I stayed at home for a few months and went to TAFE to learn English; I got involved with voluntary work helping disabled people; and did a first aid course.".

However, Julie's ambitions were aimed much higher than just to be able to speak English well.

"I wanted to accomplish the dream of my life - to study at university.

"I learned that CQU offered a special tertiary entry course, STEPS, for people wanting to prepare themselves for studies at university. I went to an interview and was overwhelmed to find out that I was accepted to do a three month, full-time course for the Winter Term of 1998.".

After completing the STEPS program Julie applied for and got an administrative traineeship with Stanwell Corporation Ltd at Stanwell Power Station. Towards the end of the traineeship she applied for a job as a secretary at CQU and was extremely happy to get it.

"I was also keen to start my studies at CQU and enrolled in one subject for the Autumn 2000 term just to see how I would handle studies at university and surprisingly it wasn't so scary at all.

"As soon as I received my permanent residency and was eligible to access HECS discounts, I enrolled as an external student and started studying part-time for the Winter 2000 term.

"At the same time I received the Rockhampton District Ergon Energy Trainee of the Year Award. It was a good boost for my confidence at the time.".

At the end of 2000 Julie moved to Cairns for her husband's new job and has gradually got used to life in the far north.

"Through a local employment agency I got a job at the Endeavour Foundation and worked there for sometime until I decided to start full-time studies again in the middle of 2001. I studied full-time for half a year, but then there was this very attractive full-time position advertised by James Cook University (JCU) and I couldn't resist applying for it. And I was very lucky to get it!".

Since the beginning of 2002 Julie has been working for JCU as a Human Resources Officer and is loving every minute of it. She also continued studying part-time with CQU and was offered the opportunity and became a member of the Golden Key International Society.

"A couple of years ago I became an Australian citizen and can now proudly call myself an Ozzie.

Julie and her husband live in Kuranda and is still amazed at what she has achieved since moving to Australia.

"This is the golden country of opportunities for me."