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Garry Burge

I was accepted into UNE in 1994, at the age of 22, to undertake a Bachelor of Arts degree.

I left Brisbane to further my education, which I felt needed improvement, and was drawn to Armidale with its four-seasoned climate and what I felt was an English-style setting. Living in Armidale was my first time away from Brisbane and a new experience for me. I also had to learn how to write assignments and, furthermore, undertake examinations as a mature-aged student.

My first year of study was a struggle and I was not able to pass. Through determination, I reapplied for admission in 1996 and progressed, with much hard work, to finally graduate in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in politics and sociology.

I am proud of myself and thankful to UNE for providing the opportunity to study at university. In 1998, I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome within the Autism Spectrum, which helped me to understand the struggles I had experienced as an undergraduate student.

I am now interested in theology, which I do in my own time, as well as learning about and managing my autism with psychology. I am a volunteer telephone counsellor and enjoy nature, growing orchids and raising more awareness of autism in adults.

I would recommend UNE to people wanting a closeness to academic staff as well as a setting away from the busy, fast-paced lifestyle.

Thank you once again and all the best UNE for your 70^th-year anniversary.

The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.