Life beyond Radford
Lizy Dawson
- Bachelor Degree, Queensland University of Technology, Technical Production
What does life look for you now?
My days vary wildly depending on what is happening in the arts scene in Brisbane at any given moment. From working on scientific lecture series (Jane Goodall, Neil DeGrasse Tyson and the World Science Festival Brisbane) to working on prestigious ballet performances (Bolishoi dancers are both beautiful and terrifying.) my days at work are nothing if not gloriously inconsistent. Sadly this does make it hard to do anything else consistently like join a sports team or regularly catch up with friends!
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
Honestly I don't remember. I think I wanted to be a robot for a while there. So realistic goals. But in some ways not settling on a goal too early maybe helped keep me flexible to more options for paths in life. I am still not entirely sure this is the career path I will be on for the rest of my life. There is a lot to experience out there.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I don't have a favourite moment but a lot of little moments I look back on happily. Most of those spent in the hall working on whatever show was being put on at the time.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Mostly Mr Akhurst. I am not entirely sure what I would be doing in life right now if there wasn't a tech crew at Radford but I bet it wouldn't have been this. Also Rev Blaskow for talking with me like an adult about whatever I was reading and encouraging me to branch out in what I wasn't yet reading, especially when I was reading while walking from class to class. Your gentle teasing helped keep my love of books alive.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not at all. I ended up doing my degree with the idea that I would only work in the industry for a few years before I caved and got a real job. Some days I still think that but it has been a memorable adventure so far!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
That Radford is so much more than the time in the classroom! It is the people and the experience. Otherwise known as the number at the end is only one small thing you can get out of it.