Maturity leads to success in study
Thirty-four year-old Robert Doyle, of Bundaberg, believes mature-aged students have an advantage over school leavers commencing tertiary study.
"We're at University because we really want to be here, and we see the benefits of learning," he said.
After a 10-year absence from study, Mr Doyle topped his diploma of applied science class specialising in agronomy at the University of Queensland last year, achieving a grade point average of 6.6 out of a possible 7 maximum.
In second semester he shared top honours with another mature-aged student, retired Emerald cotton and grain farmer John Kerlin (now of Toowoomba), who is studying the two-year diploma alongside his son, Roary Kerlin.
Mr Doyle and Mr Kerlin are among many mature-aged students attending the University of Queensland. In 1998, about one in six, or 5252 of the University's 28,500 students were aged 30 or more. In 1999, about 51 percent, or 15, 690 of the University of Queensland's estimated 30,721 students are aged 21 years or older.
Mr Doyle, who changed his enrolment this year to upgrade to a bachelor of applied science degree in crops and rangelands at the University's Gatton College campus, said he had not found it hard to return to study and was enjoying the new challenge.
"To some extent, it's irrelevant if I get a qualification at the end - I just want the knowledge," he said.
"After travelling widely in many rich and poor countries, and with the hindsight of maturity I have realised that the only reason many people have not achieved a higher place in society is that they simply lack education.
"I am prepared to sacrifice a few years of salary so I don't just continue to earn at my present rate, but aim to obtain a better job for the rest of my life.
"Realising how much money I could be earning if I wasn't studying is a good motivation to make every moment at University count to learn as much as I can. I work long hours to get maximum value from the dollars I am paying for my education.
"Education is the biggest thing anyone can give their children. I am sure that many school leavers don't appreciate the sacrifices their parents have to make so that they can attend University."
On finishing Year 12 in Bundaberg, Mr Doyle completed an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner with Bundaberg Sugar, with the aim of being able to help his parents operate machinery and equipment at their cane farm.
"I realised I didn't really like the work so after I got my trade qualification, I went for what I thought would be a one-year working holiday to Europe, and stayed there for 10 years," he said.
His working holiday included backpacking through Europe, dairy farming in Norway, and for the final eight years, acting as a driver and tour guide for a German bus company specialising in European holidays for Asian tour groups.
He was able to return to Australia with enough capital to follow his dream of gaining a recognised qualification in the minimum amount of time.
Ultimately, Mr Doyle hopes to work in the growth area of agricultural management, possibly in an agricultural bank or in quarantine work.
"I know how much my family would have appreciated having access to honest advice and help in running their property," he said.
"In my future career I would like to help people by offering them that sort of genuine advice."
Media: For further information, contact Mr Doyle, telephone (mobile) 0409 490 318.
