Life beyond Radford
Christopher Cox
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Business Informatics
- Receptionist
What does life look for you now?
Life, apart from a few hiccups, has been relatively quiet. After graduating from the University of Canberra, my job prospects look better, but I've learned not to count my chickens before they hatch. But that's not going to stop me from trying.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
The things I am most passionate about are family, cooking, history, science fiction, fantasy fiction, and casual cycling.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
When I was much younger, and even right now, I wasn't entirely certain about what I wanted to do. But I did have thoughts of becoming a firefighter. While at Radford College, I developed a keen interest in history and hospitality, and I did some work experience at a local restaurant. I'd hoped to work in a professional kitchen, but my parents didn't think I'd be able to handle the pressure.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
My favourite Radford moments would have to be the camps, the excursions and all the moments I spent talking with the teachers.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
From Radford, I have a few:
* Renee d'Argevel (I hope I spelled that correctly) - my Year 7 tutor. She helped me ease into life at Radford when I really didn't want to be there.
* Nancy Bonham - she was my rock all the way until Year 12, and even until today.
* Sally Godtschalk & Kim Stonham - wonderful ladies and teachers.
* Michael Walsh & (Blank until name remembered. Taught in Year 9) - they made History both interesting and fun, sparking a lifelong interest in it for me.
* George Huitker - a great guy and fun Year 9 camp coordinator.
* Dr Chris Wetherell - the best Maths teacher I've ever had.
* Alan Lee - he could make any Science subject fun and interesting. My deepest condolences on Ms Mackey's passing.
* Reverend Richard Browning - his Chapel sessions and personal talks with him helped challenge my existing preconceptions about both Christianity and the people who follow it.
* And many more...
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not easy at all. I put much of my focus into history and hospitality that I didn't really consider doing anything else. And when I was told I wouldn't have great job prospects for either, I didn't know what to do.
Things became a bit easier after leaving Radford, as I got some good work experience, and my time at the University of Canberra made me realise how I wanted to use those skills and experiences.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Implying I had a plan to begin with.
Seriously, though, I did not. Applying for a job was not as easy as I thought it would be, and a year and a half of failures began to wear down on me.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
I wish I knew that people, students and teachers, would be caring and understanding, so that I could have forged more and better long-term connections.
What advice do you have for current students?
* Make friends with both students and teachers - you'll need them in the future.
* Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things - it might pay off.
* If you're passionate about something, focus on it.
* Remember to treat others as you would wish to be treated.
* Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
* Never stop trying - you might not always succeed the first time, but you can learn just as much from failure as success.
Anything else that you would like to share?
Remember to take care of your health - physical and mental.