The REAL degree uni's given me.

In '06 I kicked off my Bachelor of Arts degree at CQUniversity, graduating in '09. Soon I'll graduate again with Honours, but bragging is not my intention here. This will be the end of my studies and then time to at last face the daunting prospect of trying to achieve my long-term goal of being a successful writer. Being at a crossroads once again, naturally my current mood is a reflective, pondering one, and thus I have decided to convey this in a reflective piece. Before I delve any deeper, I acknowledge in advance this will likely be quite sentimental and clichéd but only because I feel honesty is necessary in such pieces.

I started my studies straight after high school. High school is often viewed as the stage in life in which that lovely period known as coming of age occurs, however, for me at least it was merely the life stage in which that period began. At the start of my course I certainly knew I would learn a great deal about what I had chosen to study (Film Studies and Cult. and Lit. Studies mainly) but little did I know that was merely a small portion of the immeasurable amount uni would teach me, but I'll discuss that more comprehensively in a minute. Uni and high school were/are both as impactful on me personally but ultimately in quite different ways, as high school worked to prepare me for the adult world to which university belongs, but uni has proven more impactful and influential towards my values and interests, while still influencing my personality in several ways.

My time at uni has broadened my horizons profoundly, and for that I can only thank all the truly amazing people it has introduced me to in whatever form; they are just too many to name. Firstly, I am a lot more politically aware and motivated thanks to several said people, and also many of the courses I undertook, than I was when I commenced my studies. Secondly this, as well as interactions with several overseas students at CQU I feel has enhanced my understanding of and appreciation for others' cultures. Thirdly, my studies at CQU have given me exposure to so many incredible films and books that have deeply influenced me personally and/or creatively. Finally, I seriously never had one lecturer or course co-ordinator who I disliked as a person - I even had one who (and so as to not upset others he will remain nameless) is a fucking talented and passionate rock musician! I recall in an interview in 2007 Andrew Denton asking Bob Hawke what advice he'd give to a young university graduate in my current position, with Bob replying that they must always remember education is a lifelong thing. With all the experience I have gained during my time at university, I truly believe that.

I'd be lying through my teeth if I said my uni experience has been perfect - my grades were usually adequate at best, it has made me more cynical and sarcastic than I used to be and it's even made me quite disillusioned at times. I had a bit of a reputation as the class clown (though let's be honest, that's a pro or a con depending on who you ask) also, which I was very rarely known as in school. Plus, having to watch many of my friends go out and see the world (though they all certainly deserve that) while I slaved away at one assessment piece after another and endured boring text books, lectures and tutorials took quite some getting used to. But I'm sure my time for getting the utmost out of life will come, and ultimately despite those cons (and hey, cons are sadly experienced all throughout life) for me uni has been more than worth it, as it has taught me a huge amount about my areas of study but a huge amount more about myself and our world, I've made what I'm sure will be many lifelong friends, and it, they and all my family and other friends have all given me the ability, encouragement and drive if not to succeed in my goals, then to at least truly do everything in my power to leave my own mark on this world. Thank you so much, each and every one of you, and if everything that follows doesn't compare, I guess that'll just have showed how truly great it was. Peace!