Life beyond Radford
Ainsley Vigners
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Public Health
What does life look for you now?
Nothing like I could of imagined during high school! I have travelled the world, worked at a summer camp in Canada, participated in a community development project in the Maldives, studied abroad in Mexico City, interned with a large, influential NGO - the Cancer Council and gained a bachelor's degree in Public Health. Lastly, I scored my dream job last week!
Tell us what you are passionate about?
Health Promotion. I have developed and inplemented two health and wellbeing programs for two seperate organisations in partnership with the ACT government Healthier Work initiative. I am passionate about health and educating people so they are able to make healthier choices and participate in healthier behaviours. I am also passionate about sun protection. If I was to do any further study I would love to go into Epidemiologial Research on sun protective behaviours and skin cancer.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
When I left Radford I wanted to work in event management. I moved to Melbourne to study at La Trobe University. Unfortunately, due to a family members health crisis, I moved home and my passion for health developed. Life takes you in different directions when your least expecting it so don't stress if you can't decide what you want to do when you leave school. Life will steer you in the right direction - like it did with me, and I couldn't be happier!
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Gunawirra! I travelled up north with Mr H and a group of students to participate in an aboriginal schools experience. I was a role model and teachers aid's for a week in a pre school. The kids were beautiful and the week was so eye opening.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
My dad. He always makes sure I'm achieveing the highest I can be. He also kicked cancer's butt in 2013 and has since been in remission - Go dad!
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
No. As I said. Life steered me in a totally different path, I could have never imagined I would be doing/ have done what I have!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
Learning is cool! You can never have too much knowledge. Cheerish your friendships during school and the convenience of seeing those people everyday. It's hard to maintain friendships when your all living in different states/countries and busy with work and study. You will meet a bunch of new and beautiful people in your life but nothing can replace your high school BFF's!
What advice do you have for current students?
Don't worry about that little number you get at the end of the year! Enjoy every moment and try to learn as much as you can.