Reading the Canon

It is hard to believe that semester two is here already. After the interruptions and stress of semester one, the break seemed to fly by in no time. I had such high hopes of all the things I wished to achieve during the break, but very little came to fruition. I was feeling really quite …

Why the Humanities Matter

Yesterday was my first day of the mid year break. After a particularly challenging first semester, trying to balance two history courses, caring for Dan and Covid 19 restrictions, isolation and all the stress and anxiety that entails, I was looking forward to a relaxing day. I didn’t have any firm plans in place, but …

Studying in the 21st Century

    The holidays are over and it’s time to get my head back into the books. The art of being a student has changed quite remarkably since I began my first university course way back in the 80’s.  In those days … We lined up for hours to enrol in subjects only to discover, …

Life Long Learning

I am often asked why I am studying or what do I hope to do with my Arts Degree when I am finished. Sometimes I find it difficult to give a satisfactory answer because the answer isn’t always straightforward. I study because I love learning. I study to learn more about subjects that are of …

I Love a Good Story

In the Age of Technology there are champions and nay-sayers. Some praise the wonderful advantages of technology in the modern life, while others voice concerns about failing eyesight, bad posture and poor social and communication skills. I'm inclined to think that both sides have a point. Technology is a major part of our lives today …

The Japanese Gardens – Ju Raku En

The Japanese Gardens are one of my favourite places in Toowoomba. A walking path meanders around the gardens, past tall trees, over traditional red bridges and past waterfalls and lakes. In springtime, the cherry blossoms are in flower and the ducks and other wildlife are nesting.  The garden's official name is Ju Raku En, which …

Turning Points in the Life of Li Cunxin

"...one moment in time, by the thinnest thread of a chance, changed the course of a small boy's life..." On the weekend, we had the privilege of hearing Li Cunxin, artistic director of Queensland Ballet and author of Mao's Last Dancer (2003), speak at the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) open day. We have seen …