Life beyond Radford
Sarah Baker
- Bachelor Degree, Macquarie University, Health
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Medical
What does life look for you now?
After leaving Radford I moved to Sydney and started a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science (Speech Pathology/Audiology) degree at Macquarie University. I graduated at the end of 2016 and moved back to Canberra to further my studies by in the field of Nursing at the University of Canberra.
I absolutely love being back home, except for the cold winter!
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Camps were always fun but I think just having such a wonderful year group to share everyday with was awesome, it made the school-days so much easier and exciting! Oh and they used to have big cinnamon donuts in the canteen till 2005, they were thoroughly delicious and I ate way to many...
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
My friends from Radford are very inspirational! Many have followed their dreams and passions, and have been very successful in their endeavours.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not easy at all! It took me four years to decide what I really wanted to do, but I learnt a lot about critical thinking, essay writing and learnt new things about the field that I was studying (it's never a bad thing to get more education). I think some good advice is that if someone says you don't have the ATAR to get into a certain degree or that 'the profession doesn't pay well', don't let that change what your passion is or make you rethink what you have planned to do! Go with what you think will make you happy and excited to go to work each day, and do what you want not what others want you to do!
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Not at all! I am doing a completely new degree after graduating from my previous one. I only decided I wanted to do Nursing towards the end of my Audiology/Speech Pathology degree. However, I learnt so many skills in my first degree and don't regret going through the entire degree to get where I am now.
What advice do you have for current students?
Enjoy your time at Radford! The time there goes very fast and it's definitely a wonderful time! Have loads of fun, learn things that you want to learn, don't be absorbed by just getting excellent grades or a particular ATAR, and enjoy the co-curricular activities that are available!
Again, CHASE YOUR PASSION! Gain as much information and first-hand accounts from people who have already been through the same degree/apprentice/job that you are seeking. So you can make the decision that is right for you!
Also, try to have something other than cheese toasties or 2 minute noodles every lunchtime in Yr 11 and Yr 12, because you will probably be eating them for the next 3-4+years at university as well!