
Student stories
From backpacker to law degree: Adele's story
When Adele Peluso left her home in Italy to travel around Australia for six months, she had no idea that the opportunities on offer would see her still here six years later about to graduate with a law degree from CDU.
After starting university studies in political science in Italy, Adele Peluso decided to take a gap year to improve her English.
"I arrived in Darwin as a backpacker from Queensland, where I was picking capsicums. I was supposed to stay only for a few days," she says.
But just like thousands before her, those few days turned into months, and now six years later, Adele is at home in Darwin.
"I have been captured by the weather, which is always sunny, the beauty of the ocean, and the warm community spirit that make Darwin unique."
From childhood, Adele had an interest in law and justice, so when the opportunity to stay in Australia and study law at CDU arose, she didn't hesitate.
I believe Darwin is a perfect place to study and work; it's not too big and not too small, it's easy to get anywhere with a scooter or a bike or a public bus, and it's a place full of opportunities. If you work hard, you will be seen and appreciated.
A new home with new career opportunities
While Adele found so much to love about Darwin, it was her experiences at CDU that had a significant impact on her. Adele was exposed to dozens of development opportunities to see how her education could turn into a fulfilling career.
Thanks to the Law school we had the chance in the past to participate in professional development days attended by lawyers, judges, and legal officers which gave us a clear idea of how the law works in practice.
"Thanks to my law degree and my active participation in different programs, I have gained a job at the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation. The new position is greatly broadening my skills. It is an awesome opportunity," she says.
As well as studying and developing her professional skills, Adele is a CDU Ambassador, was the Treasurer of the Law Student’s Society, represented international students at the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) Conference in Perth last year, was awarded the CDU International Students Advisor Scholarship and was a finalist for the International Student of the Year Award.
Kindness in the student community
Adele has grasped all the great opportunities available at CDU and thanks to her fellow students for giving her the confidence to make the most of them.
CDU feels like a family; I always felt welcome and supported. It’s a triumph of cooperation, connection, diversity and respect for other cultures.
"I have to say that the support of my classmates has been heart-warming. They showed me how they truly believe in my abilities and always valued my different way to express myself helping to address issues and mistakes. My classmates are the rock of my career."
Explore Law and Legal Studies at CDU or find out more about studying in Darwin.
Related Articles
Tran and Nicholas are cooking up a career
Read more about Tran and Nicholas are cooking up a careerBusiness was always in the blood for Nicholas, but he knew he didn’t want to follow in his family's footsteps. He felt hospitality and the food industry calling out to him. Similarly, Tran has loved cooking since she was a little girl. It didn’t take either of them very long to decide to study commercial cookery at CDU.
Teacher Tom's giving back to his new community in Darwin
Read more about Teacher Tom's giving back to his new community in DarwinWhen Tom wanted to learn more about education systems outside of his home country of China, he tutored and interned across the world. Then Australia and a Master of Teaching at CDU beckoned, where Tom is giving back as much as he's getting.
From teaching to magic: How Wesley embraces life at CDU
Read more about From teaching to magic: How Wesley embraces life at CDUHaving already studied and worked in economics and accounting, Wesley knew there was something missing. Beyond the numbers, Wesley held a deep passion to teach and share his excitement for life with others. That’s why he re-entered the world of study and enrolled in a Master of Teaching at CDU.