Meet Kevin, a 63-year-old Berri local with a Bachelor of Microbiology, Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Master of Laws, and a Master of Public Health under his belt. Yes, you read that right… five university qualifications.
As if that wasn’t enough, he’s rolling up his sleeves again to undertake a Master of Clinical Epidemiology online through the University of Newcastle.
We sat down with Kevin to find out why he keeps returning to study as a mature-aged student, and the secret to his motivation – you’ll be surprised to learn why.
It’s hard to imagine, but Kevin’s off-campus study journey began before the internet in 1988! During a time of print outs, hard-copy textbooks, and limited contact, Kevin struggled with the isolation of remote study.
Cut to now, Kevin has been able to study his Master’s with the support of our Riverland Coordinator Wendy, access the Berri campus for a change of scenery, and connect with other online students in the Riverland.
This has helped him juggle full-time work, fatherhood – and everything else life throws at you in your 60’s. With the opportunity to study in his hometown with free support and study spaces, Kevin can’t understand why anyone would leave the Riverland to pursue on-campus tertiary education.
With plans to keep studying and complete a research qualification on health policy, why does Kevin keep picking up the pen? Put simply, he finds it refreshing to study recreationally.
He found the later in life he progressed, the less restrained he felt to choose a degree that fit within his career. Instead, he gained the freedom to study what interested him, and uncovered the value of lifelong learning.
See, Kevin isn’t a rare egg, there’s science backing his success – lifelong learning can help you succeed at your job, maintain brain health, keep you connected socially, and provide fulfillment.
If you’re doubting your ability to get back into study as a mature-aged student – this is your sign that no matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s never too late to forge a new path for yourself!
Take the first step today. Reach out to our Riverland Coordinator Wendy or Student Advisor Jane and explore your options here.
