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Dillon’s journey of growth, creativity, and resilience
Returning to study after more than a decade away from the classroom can be daunting, but for Dillon Golic, his decision set him on a path toward a thriving career in the creative industry.
Graduating with a Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020), Dillon delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his journey, challenges, and the unwavering support that helped him succeed.
After finishing high school in 2009, he enrolled at university but quickly realised he wasn’t ready.
Deciding to take a gap year, his 12-month hiatus from higher education then turned into fourteen years before returning to study, and the nerves kicked in.
“Deciding to return to study as a mature-aged student had to be one of the most nerve-racking decisions I’ve ever made,” Dillon admitted.
“But having achieved my Diploma in Screen and Media with TAFE Queensland and now having the skills and knowledge to work in the career of my dreams, I know that every step I’ve taken has been down the right path.”
Though his academic path was unconventional, Dillon credited TAFE Queensland for providing the support, technical skills, and creative environment essential to working in the screen and media industry.
Taught by industry experts, his advanced qualification provided hands-on learning experience in directing, camera operation, lighting, sound recording, video editing, writing, and producing.
This allowed Dillon to develop filmmaking skills essential in the film, television, and digital content industries through practical experience in various crew roles on multiple TAFE productions.
“TAFE’s teachers truly went above and beyond, and I couldn’t have asked for a better transition into the creative arts industry. The teachers deliver information in ways that are easy to understand. Their industry insights into what to expect prepared me to start my career,” Dillon explained.
“The course and facilities at Mt Gravatt were like one big creative playground, where students' passion resonated with our amazing teachers. It created this fantastic flow of learning, skill-building and fun.”
He also acknowledged the resilience required to navigate the challenges of studying, especially later in life. But through it all, the support network at TAFE Queensland proved invaluable.
“I felt so incredibly blessed to have been in the safety net of such a healthy academic culture. I would not have graduated without the unwavering support from TAFE,” Dillon shared.
With his diploma in hand, Dillon’s journey isn’t over, and he’s now focused on completing a Bachelor of Film Production while his career as a freelance editor and videographer takes off on the Gold Coast.
"I developed expertise in camera operation, production, and editing. I have a career in an industry I’m passionate about, honing these skills and feeling confident in my abilities," he said.
Looking to the future, Dillon’s speech left his fellow graduates with a powerful message of evolution and growth.
Quoting Richard Buckminster Fuller, he reminded everyone: “I live on Earth at present, and I don’t know what I am. I know that I am not a category. I am not a thing - a noun. I seem to be a verb, an evolutionary process - an integral function of the universe.”
With his words inspiring anyone considering a return to study or a leap into a new career, Dillon’s experience shows that anything is possible with the right mindset and support.
