What did you do directly after school? Studies, travel, living etc

I started off by deferring my uni acceptance and focused on earning some money because I wasn’t sure as to what I wanted to do. I ended up starting two different degrees before finally settling on dietetics.

What did you study at University and graduation news etc

I completed my Bachelor of Dietetics (honours) where I had an incredible opportunity to develop and conduct a world first study on nutrition in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes in Australia (currently being written for publication). I graduated in 2019 from dietetics, but have since returned to uni to complete a Bachelor of Animal Ecology, working towards my pHd in the coming years.

What are you doing since graduation?

I worked as a dietitian briefly before deciding it wasn’t for me and have since returned to studying a degree that I absolutely love. I have done little bits of travel and worked during these times.

What were your interests during school… sport, music etc and are you still involved?

Marine Biology was - and always will be - my favourite subject and I love being in and on the ocean - surfing, free diving, scuba, boating or out on a research vessel. I also loved music at school and although I don’t play much these days, I still have a big appreciation for the art.

What are your long-term goals?

I am excited to direct my studies towards a PhD with a plan to became an academic and teach at university, as well as continue in research. I have a strong passion for marine biology and a keen interest in understanding the relationships and interactions between animals and humans. I hope to lead my own research team as well (always a nerd at heart).

What challenges you faced post-school, and even post-uni?

I was diagnosed with a chronic illness called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at age 19 which I have had since birth. This diagnosis changed my entire life as I had suffer a significant amount of hospital visits, surgeries and injuries with no identifiable cause until I was diagnosed. I basically had to relearn to live life - I even had shoulder surgery during my degree which made writing very interesting! It also made me realise what was truly important to me - I was even on a podcast about it!

What are your highlights from school, teachers, programs etc?

Heron Island hands down with Mr Spring in Marine Biology was the best trip I have ever been on - I still talk about it to this day! I adored the music program too (especially music class with Mr Bonar) and the opportunity to go on trips to places like Vietnam with Mr Piper. The opportunities were everywhere and it’s hard to just pick a few!

Do you stay in touch with friends from school?

I am still close to a few people from school and I see a lot on social media about what other people are doing which is exciting to see.

Have you visited the College in recent years and if so what are your thoughts on the new facilities?

I visited recently and I am still in awe of all the changes that have happened. There are so many new, incredible facilities that I was lucky enough to have a look through - makes me want to go back!

Has COVID affected your work, study, plans?

Learning to study online was a big change for me - especially with online exams. You need to be super self-driven and dedicated as it is so easy to become distracted. When I worked as a dietitian, it was quite difficult to see patients over zoom too as it is hard to fully grasp their emotions and needs when you can’t physically be there. I also had lots of time plans to travel overseas but now we’re just we’re just sticking to Qld! It also affected where we can travel for uni as well, as we used to have the option to do some courses overseas to explore animals in places like Africa.