Life beyond Radford

My life looks a little unconventional now, in comparison with growing up in Canberra. I live and work in Arusha, Tanzania. I am single and do not have children, with my parents and sister back in Australia.

After spending the past three years as the Finance and Administration Manager for a health NGO, Flying Medical Service. I am currently undertaking consulting with various social enterprises and NGO’s in Arusha. I enjoy working on projects which focus on the poor and marginalised Tanzanians. I love the work I undertake and the organisations with whom I work, as each day is rewarding.

Kylie BreezeMy hobbies have stayed much the same as when I was at Radford, I run, travel and read a lot. My running has seen me travel and race on many continents, has seen me make amazing lifelong friends, and is the best way for me to de-stress, explore and keep fit (Most recently, racing has allowed me to do some fabulous crowd funders for projects I work with, and race at prestigious events such as the Boston Marathon 2016). I have a passion for travel, which I feel may have started when I was at Radford, having now traveled to more than 50 countries around the world. I read to keep my mind active, and to pass the time at night when there is no electricity…

I am not sure I can pin down one Radford moment, probably all the sporting carnivals where we formed strong teams in our houses, they were always happy and vibrant days.

There are a few people who inspire me, not anyone I think would be surprising. Aung Sang Suu Kyi, JK Rowling, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela and my 92 year old Grandma; Chrissie (who appears to me as happy and healthy as she was when I was a young child, she stoically lives alone and keeps herself busy).

I decided I wanted to work in business and accounting so I started a Commerce Degree, at ANU. From here I wanted to gain some solid professional skills, so I starting working in corporate accounting firms for many years. I don’t know if this was an easy decision, but accounting came naturally, and I enjoyed the problem solving. My head is well suited to business, so I found it easy to work with clients to ensure their businesses were as successful as possible.

After many years, I had developed professional skills, but craved a more rewarding career, and to incorporate my love for travel. So I looked to work overseas. I spent two years working in Tokyo, Japan, at a University. And then took a long term, allowance paid volunteer role with Australian Volunteers International in Tanzania.

I started my undergraduate in Commerce and Psychology at ANU, realized my heart and mind were really in Commerce, so I completed a Bachelor in Commerce (Accounting and Marketing). After which I secured a job at a large accounting firm, followed by a medium sized accounting firm, where I completed my Chartered Accounting graduate diploma. From these accounting firms I moved to Japan to lecture at a University for two years. I returned to Australia to commence my Master of Tax Law, and undertook more professional services accounting work. I quickly confirmed my heart is in the not for profit world. Where I am able to use the skills I gained from the corporate world in a place my heart and soul are best placed.

I recently submitted my last paper, so have completed my Masters - proving if you put your mind to it - you can do it (ie. live and work in the third world whilst completing post graduate studies in the first world).

I know now that there are many paths that can lead you to where you want to go.

Enjoy your time at Radford, do as much inside and outside of the college as possible. What you learn in the classroom is important, the people around you will help shape you, but the life skills you gain during your time at Radford, are really important.