Recent UNE Law graduate, Michael John Ockwell has proven that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. At 76 years of age, Michael completed his Bachelor of Laws degree entirely online, apart from participating in a Moot and an Intensive School in Parramatta earlier this year.
Reflecting on his journey, Michael shared that his path to UNE began during the pandemic in 2020. “I have been retired for some years after a career in public administration in NSW and the ACT. I began studying Law as a second degree in the 1970s but discontinued because of work and family pressures. It is something I always regretted,” he said.
The pandemic presented an opportunity to revisit this goal. “The Bachelor of Laws online program seemed perfect. The university made enrolment easy and, before I knew it, I was underway.”
Michael’s determination to complete his studies was rooted in personal fulfillment rather than career ambitions.
“At the age of 76, and a retiree, there are probably not many avenues open to me. However, I am currently exploring a couple,” he remarked. “For me, it is mainly about the satisfaction I feel at finishing something I started a long time ago.”
Image: Michael and his grandkids being interviewed by Head of Law School, Mark Perry at graduation
Undertaking formal study after decades away from academia presented its challenges.
“I think returning to formal study after so many years has been my biggest achievement,” Michael admitted. “In the beginning, I found it a big challenge just getting to know how to navigate Moodle and generally adapt to online study.”
Yet, he credits his retired lifestyle for providing the time to study while still enjoying life with his wife, family, and friends. “I admire those who undertake study and have to juggle work, family, and other commitments,” he added.
Michael’s experience in public administration provided a unique perspective on the purpose of Law within society. “As a former public servant, I was always interested in and aware of the legal frameworks within which I operated. I think the same way about Law and society – the Law provides the framework within which society operates. However, that framework is not fixed – it needs to adapt, change, and respond sensibly and appropriately to societal and indeed cultural changes.”
The Law provides the framework within which society operates. However, that framework is not fixed – it needs to adapt, change, and respond sensibly and appropriately to societal and indeed cultural changes.
Through his studies, Michael has learned a profound life lesson: “Principally, I suppose, that it is never too late to learn or undertake a project,” he reflected.
The flexibility of online learning suited Michael’s lifestyle perfectly. “The beauty of online study is that as soon as you sit down at the desk and turn on the computer, you are working,” he explained.
Recalling his earlier experiences, he said, “I did an Economics degree straight out of school. It would take me over 90 minutes to get to uni and the same getting home – often for 2-3 hours of lectures. With the relative high productivity of online study, it is possible to meet most other commitments.”
For current and prospective university students, Michael offers a wealth of advice. “The most important thing is to be organised and structured. Don’t get caught out by deadlines and assessment closing dates – plan ahead,” he emphasised. “Don’t over-commit or take on a greater workload than you can handle – pace yourself with the course, if possible.”
He also encouraged active participation in Zoom tutorials and lectures. “They help to provide the structure to the week,” he noted.
