Life beyond Radford
Nicholas Crean
- Graduate Diploma, Australian Catholic University, Education (Secondary), 2015-2015
- Masters, The Australian National University, Museums and collections, 2012-2014
- The Australian National University, Arts and Asian Studies (Japanese), 1999-2004
- Educator, Australian War Memorial, 2011
What does life look for you now?
Life is about to look a whole lot different in terms of scenery.
That is because in mid-2017, I am leaving beloved Canberra to become an Australian Volunteer on and AVID assignment in Papua New Guinea. AVID is Australian Volunteers for International Development. They do a lot of great work with overseas aid projects in our region and beyond. It is a tough and thorough selection process and training. However, it presents a brilliant opportunity for personal development and growth.
I'm very excited about it - but will be able to share more once I've actually observed how things go over there.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
Heaps! Everything! I love work, sport, food, friends, music, family, earth, water, fire, metal etc... Right now, I am very passionate about martial arts & AFL Football having played and coached for years. I believe that being connected with how your body moves in the world is one of the best things we can cultivate in our lives.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
A foreign diplomat. Got this from studying languages and Asian Studies at Radford.
Either that, or a stunt show guy.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Sports carnivals with Wandoo. Muscials and plays.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Many Radford teachers were inspirational at that time of my life. Some were there throughout. Some only a short time. I sometimes see them around Canberra and say G'day, often feeling compelled to thank them for putting up with me being so frustrating at times.
They were all very kind - especially my Japanese teacher Mrs Smith. But the ones I remember most are those who I connected with on the sporting field and acting stage. Coaches, directors etc.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
HA! :) I'm still deciding.
Love the challenge of learning and reinventing yourself. You will never know everything.
I think the trick, for me, is being OK with how life will inevitably change. That happens with or without your decisions. Make brave, kind, and wise choices.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not exactly. But in a round about way, I have come to be a type of foreign diplomat with Australian Volunteers for International Development. I am not at all concerned that it took 20 years to get here. The many career changes and further study along the way was ALL worth it. Nothing like that is ever wasted in my opinion.
The only time I regrettably wasted (and still do) is on worrying what people may think of me or that they may get me wrong.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
That being a teacher is such hard work!
Teachers are there, on the whole, to look out for you. Otherwise they would not be teachers.
What advice do you have for current students?
Be nice to all your classmates and put aside petty differences through clear communication.
As above, your teachers are there to help - you just have to let them do their role.
