- Carolyn Williams
- Master of History, online
- UNE Student Council post-graduate student representative
What are you studying?
I am starting my second year of a Master of History majoring in Public History and Cultural Heritage, as an online student.
What is the UNE Student Council and what does your role entail?
The UNESC is made up of student representatives from all student groups within UNE. Our role is to act as a voice for the student body to ensure that they have a positive university experience. My role within UNESC is as one of two Post Graduate Student Representatives, working to collaborate between the student body and the university to express the needs of Post-Graduate students.
Should students get involved with the UNE Student Council?
Yes, being involved in the UNESC means that you get to represent students in order for their opinions to be heard. You get to meet a variety of people studying within all areas of UNE and from a broad range of backgrounds. Being a part of the UNESC, you can gain a better understanding of how the university works and the decision-making processes that go on behind the scenes. It helps to build a relationship with faculty areas within UNE and, I believe provides a more fulfilling university experience.
Carolyn Pokémon hunting in Japan.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I have been in nursing for 21 years and I am currently a Clinical Mental health Nurse, working within Clinical Governance. I completed my initial degree, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies and a Master of Mental Health Nursing through other universities.
I am originally from Tamworth and chose UNE for my current studies as I felt that it had the course that would best assist me to make my planned career change.
What would you like to do after your studies?
I plan to make a career change and hope to be working as a Historian or Genealogist however this might change depending on where the second year of my course, and interest areas take me. My eventual plan is to complete a PhD with UNE in the future.
What have been your biggest achievements and challenges in your study journey so far?
I feel my results so far demonstrate a great achievement as I have made the transition from studying nursing/health related topics to history and having to learn new styles of referencing and writing assessments. This has been tricky to get my head around!
My biggest support along this journey so far has been my husband who has been amazing in keeping me motivated and reminding me to stay focused on my goal.
The teaching staff have all been great and very supportive. There have been a few in particular that I feel have gone above and beyond to assist me in, not only current studies but future career goals. This support and advice has been invaluable.
What has been your favourite unit so far?
My favourite unit that I have completed so far would be ANCH326 – The Art & Architecture of the Ancient Greek & Roman World. It introduced me to the beauty of the art and architecture that can be found within ancient civilisations and now when I travel I have a much better appreciation for the processes and stories behind the finished product.
What have you learnt about yourself through university?
As a neurodivergent person, university study has always been challenging but I have learnt that I am persistent, resilient and truly capable of achieving whatever I plan for and set my mind too. I have developed great time management and planning skills that have become absolutely vital to get me through each day of my busy life.
Carolyn in Rome during winter.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I have five children (two still at home) and three grandchildren. My two youngest children have Autism Spectrum Disorder, so I have many therapy and family commitments which take priority. I work part-time and volunteer with University of New England Museum of Antiquities (UNEMA), which has also been very beneficial in my studies. Although hobbies take a back seat to my busy life, as a family, we like to travel and in 2024 we visited Japan for some Pokémon hunting. Next year we will head to the UK, Ireland and back to Japan to see as much as we can.
Any advice you might give to other uni students or your younger self?
I think that the best advice I can give other students is to research where you want to be and how best you can get there. Once you have a goal, plan the steps you will take and write it down so that you can see it every day. It is really surprising how motivating and empowering it can be to look at that goal every day.
Advice I would give my younger self is to not doubt my abilities and allow other people to restrict my opportunities with their negativity.
