Former Commanding Officer HMAS Parramatta Anita Nemarich took nine years to complete her bachelor’s degree via distance education through Charles Sturt University while working full time in the Australian Defence Force. Photo: Australia in Brunei Darussalam/Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Naval officer Anita Nemarich’s journey to attain her bachelor’s degree mirrored the demands, endurance and resilience of a long deployment in uncharted waters.
Based in Canberra, Ms Nemarich recently graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) from Charles Sturt University after nine years and received the Undergraduate University Medal – awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and obtain a grade point average of 6.75 or higher.
“I always had an interest in [medical science], specifically genetics, microbiology and molecular pathology. This degree ticked all of those boxes, and I enjoyed every subject,” Ms Nemarich said.
She said receiving the medal was a great honour and the culmination of long study sessions, ‘exceptional teaching staff’, support from family and friends – and her rescue cat, Sheldon.
“My rescue cat Sheldon has been my diligent study partner for the past nine years and will be wearing a cap and gown for graduation too,” she said.
The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Parramatta, led by then Commanding Officer Commander Anita Nemarich, during its visit to Brunei in 2021. Photo: Australia in Brunei Darussalam.
As a full-time member of the Royal Australian Navy, Ms Nemarich embarked on her academic odyssey by long distance in 2016.
“When I say it’s exciting to be here … there were many moments along those nine years when I wasn’t sure if I would be standing here today,” Ms Nemarich said.
“Doing a degree is challenging at the best of times, and when you couple that with spending time at sea on a warship, it can add some complexities.
“It means so much to me to be here today.”
The former Commanding Officer of HMAS Parramatta said she balanced full-time work in the Australian Defence Force and study with great difficulty.
“There were very early morning study sessions, a very supportive partner, family, and great friends I met along the journey,” Ms Nemarich said.
“My intensive study periods each session at the Wagga Wagga campus were seen as almost a retreat, where I could connect with friends and have a few days in the country air.
“It does take a great support network to get an individual through to graduation.”
Anita Nemarich with her partner David Smith and sister Natasha Nemarich at her graduation at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Ms Nemarich said she was someone who enjoyed studying, and her nine-year journey had been a “hobby”.
“I intend to continue being a full-time member of the Australian Defence Force. I will continue to serve in the Navy and hopefully start looking for the next degree that I wish to study. I’d like to expand on my medical science, maybe at a postgraduate level,” she said.
“I would be looking at some way to blend my two passions — the Defence Force and medical science — whether that is in postgraduate PhD studies in biological warfare … but that’s probably a long-term retirement plan for me at this stage.”
Anita Nemarich joined the ADF in 1999 and hopes to continue full-time and pursue further education in the future. Photo: Anita Nemarich LinkedIn.
Ms Nemarich chose CSU for its long-distance education program for several reasons, including flexibility, family recommendation, and convenience.
“I live in Canberra and was interested in Charles Sturt because they have an excellent distance program. My sister, being a graduate of Charles Sturt as well, made me naturally look at that university first, and I found, even before COVID, they were so flexible with distance education that it made it manageable to juggle full-time work and study.”
Born and raised on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, the Director of Current Operations at Joint Operations Command has lived between Sydney and Canberra since she joined the Navy in 1999.
Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Renee Leon PSM congratulated graduates on achieving this milestone and for completing their own unique educational journeys on campus and online.
“Many of our students are already in the workforce and were able to juggle employment while studying to obtain a higher education,” Professor Leon said.
“Some are also raising young families and were able to manage their commitments through our flexible modes of study, as Australia’s most experienced online university.
“Well done to our graduates! We are proud to call you our own, and we look forward to seeing the wonderful contributions you will continue to make in the world after your time at Australia’s leading regional university.”
Ms Nemarich was one of 550 students who graduated from CSU on 11 April.
Original Article published by Shri Gayathirie Rajen on Region Riverina.
