Postcards from...

After a career in the NSW public service, I've returned to my first love, teaching history, researching and writing. My first book, Southern Signals, about communications in Australia, was published by the National Library of Australia in September 2023. I enjoyed my time at University in Armidale. I was at Drummond college. I used to do a fair bit of research up at the library, but college life was also busy, together with prac. placements at Uralla and Walcha Central Schools.

I was born in Newcastle and my parents moved in the New England when I was very young, so I grew up in Armidale and Uralla. Since completing my Bachelors, I went to live in Japan for many years teaching English and towards the end I worked as a freelance translator for various small firms in Japan. Learning chemistry in Japanese was certainly a challenge I might say. Since returning home to Australia in 2012, I commenced employment with UNE and at this time I realized I wanted to further my study, so I started my MBA in T3, 2012. As my goal is to work both in Australia and around the world, I knew that the MBA program was internationally recognized so that is the reason why I chose it. Using business resources and networks to improve the lives of those in my community is one of my main passions. From my MBA I have developed a strong interest in organisational leadership development. As organisations are much more multicultural and multigenerational than ever before, the need for the C Suite to work with and mentor those future leaders in the organisations is paramount. My MBA also taught me that organisational behaviour and emotional intelligence are critical for developing relationships for positive business growth. I thoroughly enjoyed the following units: Marketing Management with the late Fredy Valenzuela who was an incredible mentor and friend. Organisational Behaviour with Dr Peter McClenaghan who was. also, my Enactus guide and an outstanding mentor. Strategic Management Project with Professor John Rice, and Economics for Management with Dr L. Emilio Morales.

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 70th-year anniversary.