Being a Bondy means that you are a part of a tightknit community with a strong support network, and can rely on the people around you to help you chase your ambitions. Our aim is to create an environment where you feel inspired and confident to ignite the very best version of yourself; a place where you will never be thought of as just another number, but rather, will have abundant opportunities to stand out. Simply put, we exist for you – to give you the right tools, support, and empowerment to take your life and career in whichever direction you choose.
Ella Warrall made the big move from Newcastle to the Gold Coast without even having visited Bond in person, and now, she couldn’t be happier having taken such a bold leap of faith. In this blog, we get to know Ella, hear about her future goals, and go behind the scenes of the personal attention she receives every single day as a Bondy.
Who are you and what are you currently studying?
My name is Ella Warrall, and I am originally from Newcastle, New South Wales. I moved to the Gold Coast in January of 2022 to study the Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Bond. During a trip to the Gold Coast in 2021, I had a family member suggest I apply to Bond. After researching the different degree options available at Bond, I applied through the early entry scheme for Year 12 students. After accepting my offer, I was unable to visit Bond’s campus due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. So, in January of this year, I made the big move from Newcastle to the Gold Coast, 700km away, to a university I had never even seen in person – and it was by far the best decision I have ever made.
What has Bond’s personalised approach to learning been like for you?
One standout thing I love about Bond is the personalised approach to learning. I had a preconceived idea of what this would look like before I started, but after commencing my studies, I realised that Bond is about so much more than just study. On the first day of Semester 1, the academics had already begun learning everyone’s names and wanted to learn more about us. After that first day, I felt like I was already a part of the Bond community. All of the University’s staff and academics genuinely want you to succeed in all aspects of your life, and will truly do anything to help you get there.
I’ve witnessed Bond’s personal attention up close throughout many of my classes. The Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science is a very practical, hands-on degree, so during our laboratories and gym classes, our academics will relate the skills we are learning to the sports they know members of our cohort play. This immediate connection has helped me to develop my understanding of real-world situations much further than I would have just learning the theory.
What’s your favourite part about Bond’s student experience?
My favourite part about the student experience would have to be the sense of community I feel every day at Bond. I’ve made so many lifelong friends throughout just one short year of my degree, and also through engaging in our Core Curriculum classes, which are integrated with students from all other undergraduate degrees at the University. I guarantee that at Bond, you’ll always run into someone you know when you’re walking around campus or visiting one of our beautiful study spaces. There are endless opportunities to catch up with friends, whether that’s at one of our numerous cafes or when you’re grabbing lunch at Lakeside, our on-campus restaurant.
What’s one thing that wouldn’t have been possible if you hadn’t gone to Bond?
Completing my degree in two years instead of three! Here at Bond, we work on a three-semester-per-year timetable, which means you are able to graduate and enter the workforce at least a year quicker than your peers at other unis. This is so beneficial if you are considering studies in allied health, as you can complete both your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the same time it would take to finish a standard bachelor’s degree.
How do you think Bond will help you secure your dream job?
The Career Development Centre (or, in Bondy terms, the ‘CDC’) is a fantastic lifelong resource we are very fortunate to have access to from the moment we commence our studies. The team at the CDC are available to help students with a wide range of career-related tasks, such as improving their resumes, conducting mock interviews, completing job applications, and lining up work experience and internships. Bond’s commitment to fostering a strong alumni network also means that if you ever need assistance with career-related enquiries after you’ve graduated – regardless of how long ago you finished! – you will still be able to access support via the CDC. I love the saying ‘once a Bondy, always a Bondy’ because it is so true.
In my short time at Bond, I have visited the Career Development Centre to discuss industry experience opportunities with them, and to get their help improving my resume and LinkedIn profile. Throughout your time at Bond, you will form so many great relationships and connections with people across campus and in a wide range of industries, whether they are CDC staff, your fellow Bondies, industry professionals, or your academics. This is what I value most about the Bond experience.
If you could describe Bond using one word, what would it be?
Adventurous!