Anudi Manulya

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, a small country in Asia.

My hometown is Matara, a major city in the Southern Province. I attended Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara, one of the leading schools in the country, where I studied until I completed my GCE O/L exams. I had a great experience there and enjoyed my school life immensely. However, I didn’t finish high school. Instead, I chose to pursue a foundation course to explore different options. This decision led me to Griffith College, where I enrolled in a diploma program that served as a pathway to Griffith University.

Why did you choose to study in Australia?

It has always been my dream to study abroad, and Australia was at the top of my list.

I had visited the country before to see relatives and instantly fell in love with it. While I was studying for my O/Ls, I realized that my passion lay in the field of IT. I particularly enjoyed IT as a subject during my O/Ls, and it became clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career in this field.

As I explored my options, I found that studying in Australia would be the best choice due to the wealth of globally updated and practical knowledge and experience available here. This has proven to be true, and I’m currently benefitting from it in my studies.

Tell us about your arrival at Griffith College

I joined Griffith College in the second trimester of 2023. I remember the exact first moments vividly.

I’m someone who likes to arrive early for everything, so I was there at least an hour before the scheduled time. I was extremely nervous, especially since it was my first time seeing such a large, diverse crowd of people from all different backgrounds.

However, all my nervousness started to fade away once I received the warm welcome from the staff and fellow students. There was an abundance of activities and support specifically designed for new students. From orientation programs to icebreaker events, Griffith College went above and beyond to make sure newcomers felt comfortable and well-prepared.

The student services team provided detailed information on how to access academic resources, clubs, and societies, while also offering plenty of opportunities to meet fellow students. These initial efforts really helped me settle in and feel like I was part of the Griffith community from day one.

What did you study at Griffith College?

I studied a Diploma of Information Technology at Griffith College.

I had amazing lecturers who have very strong backgrounds in the industry. My favourite aspect of the experience was the incredible support from the academic staff. It was truly amazing. Additionally, the frequent events and activities happening on campus made my time there even more enjoyable with a lot of freebies!

What is your proudest moment at Griffith College?

My proudest moment was undoubtedly the day I graduated.

I had never won any academic awards before, so it was a very special and happy moment for me. Receiving the Academic Excellence, DUX and Valedictorian was like a dream. All my hard work, dedication, and determination had paid off. Honestly, I didn’t expect to achieve this when I first started at Griffith College, but thanks to the support I received, I was able to grow academically very quickly, turning what seemed like a distant dream into a tangible goal.

Have you enjoyed living in Queensland?

Absolutely, I’ve loved every moment of living on the Gold Coast.

The stunning beaches, the vibrant outdoor lifestyle, and the friendly, welcoming community make it a fantastic place to live. My neighbourhood is peaceful and has everything I need, from parks to local cafes, which has really helped me feel at home.

The laid-back yet active lifestyle here suits me perfectly, and the warm weather allows me to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Queensland’s diverse culture and natural beauty have also given me opportunities to explore new places and experiences, making my time here even more fulfilling.

What are your future ambitions?

My ultimate goal is to pursue a successful career in cybersecurity, networking, or project management.

These fields are rapidly evolving and play a crucial role in the digital world, which is why I’m currently pursuing a major in Information Technology – to explore the various fields and better understand what I’m truly passionate about.

With the rapid growth in these industries, I’m eager to contribute to solving complex problems, staying ahead of technological advancements, and making a meaningful impact. My education is laying the groundwork for these ambitions, and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead for me.

Do you have any advice for future students?

First of all, success is directly linked to the amount of effort you put in.

When you give your best, you will receive the best in return. Griffith College offers an incredibly supportive and student-friendly environment where help is always available. The academic staff is approachable and eager to assist, making it easy to get the guidance you need.

Personally, I recommend being methodical in your studies and developing a solid study plan that works for you. Everyone learns differently, so don’t feel pressured to follow someone else’s methods. In my case, I didn’t have any complex strategies—I simply made sure to review what I learned each day. And never hesitate to seek support from the college if you’re struggling; the staff are wonderful and always ready to help.

Also, don’t forget to make the most of your college life beyond academics. Engage in activities, join clubs and societies, and immerse yourself in everything that campus life has to offer. These experiences aren’t just about having fun — they refresh you, build connections, and make you more productive in your studies. My advice is to balance your academic work with extracurricular activities to fully enjoy and make the most of your college journey.