After his first degree and a decade farming, UNE alum Chris Burke is back cultivating his own future possibilities.
“Don't think that you are stuck where you are right now, or that you may disappoint someone by changing,” he says when asked how his experience might help others.
“It's never too late to try something new. Just have a crack!”
Chris, who lives in Tamworth NSW, completed a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business on the Armidale campus in 2014 while living in St Albert's College.
UNE offered the perfect opportunity to do [further study] while still working full time.
He decided to return to UNE in 2022 as an online student to study exercise and sports science, and plans to make the move into a clinical exercise physiology career.
“After finishing my first degree, I have been farming for the past 10 years. I have now decided on a sea change, wanting to help people and pair that with exercise,” he says.
“UNE offered the perfect opportunity to do this while still working full time.”
Representing other students
In addition to his studies, Chris serves as the Science, Agriculture Business and Law (SABL) faculty representative on the UNE Student Council - a conduit between students and the rest of the university.
"This role enables me to act as a voice and a pathway for students to get their message across and be represented at the university," he says.
“It’s a great way to keep in touch with what is happening within the university, and to have a say.”
Learning to learn again
Returning to study after a long break posed some challenges, but Chris is enthusiastic and manages the balance with the help of some key supporters and priorities.
“After being away for so long, just learning how to study properly again has been a big challenge,” he says.
“My work has been very accommodating, which has helped - especially with the intensive schools.
“I currently volunteer for the local soccer club and young farmers association, and I also have my own sporting commitments that I study around.
At the moment, I am enjoying being back studying and learning everything that comes with it.
“Family is important, so I definitely make time around study for any family gatherings.”
While his future plans are fluid, Chris says he’s simply enjoying being back in an academic setting.
"It's still a long way to go, and what I want to do now may change over time,” he says.
“At the moment, I am enjoying being back studying and learning everything that comes with it.”
