Brad is currently completing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Mathematics) through the University of New England. He began his studies in 2022 while working as a sheep shearer and living between Tarcutta and Canberra. After finishing Year 12, Brad was not initially drawn to university. He pursued an apprenticeship, followed by several months of shearing, before returning to his long-held interest in teaching. The rigid structure of traditional, in-person study did not align with his lifestyle at the time. While living in a donga in Tarcutta, he began exploring online options, discovered UNE’s flexible delivery model, submitted an application, and has not looked back.

Since then, Brad has maintained full-time employment while studying. He worked as a Learning Support Assistant in Canberra and now works in Griffith as a Classroom Support Officer and full-time teacher, delivering Mathematics, Science, and PDHPE. Being in the classroom while studying has significantly enriched his learning experience.

In early 2024, Brad and his partner Grace relocated to Griffith for her to complete part of her medical degree through the CSU Clinical Schools. The move introduced Brad to CUC Western Riverina, which he describes as a game changer. In Canberra, study spaces were hard to come by after hours. He recalls spending “an embarrassing amount of time” at a 24-hour McDonald’s just to access Wi-Fi and keep up with uni work. In Griffith, having access to the CUC’s dedicated, well-equipped study environment – complete with quiet spaces, exam rooms, printers, and kitchen facilities – has transformed the way he studies.

Brad’s advice to others is to give study a go and find a system that works for you.