Kerryn Armstrong’s academic journey is anything but conventional. From training horses across Australia and the United States to studying dinosaurs and Auslan paleontology signs, her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of education.
Kerryn’s journey has not been without challenges. As a Deaf student, navigating higher education has required significant adjustments.
“Many people assume written English can substitute for spoken communication, but it cannot fully capture tone, body language, and nuance. This reality has been demanding but also deeply formative.”
Kerryn’s study journey began later in life. Despite having a background in training horses, she decided to undertake an Archaeology/Anthropology double major through UNE and USQ.
“After completing that, I found UNE to be a better fit for me. They had a more advanced setup to manage distant education, and their subjects suited me better.”
Now on the tail end of a Diploma of Science, Kerryn’s motivation for her studies is both professional and personal.
“I wanted to stretch myself with a more science-focused degree. This will assist me in my archaeology work, but I also enjoy learning about our world and how it functions.”
Returning to study after a 15-year break was no small feat. Kerryn recalls her first year of university as her proudest achievement.
“Completing that first year gave me confidence in my ability to succeed academically. It was daunting, but it proved to me that I could do it.”
Much of paleontology doesn’t have specific or fixed signs, so these have been organically grown as I’ve moved through the course. My interpreter for this subject has been an absolute gem.
Support has been crucial to Kerryn’s success. She credits her wife as her greatest source of encouragement and strength, alongside the interpreters from UNE’s Student Accessibility and Wellbeing Office (SAWO) who have enabled her to fully participate in her studies.
“My experience with SAWO and Deaf Connect has been essential. Previously, I attempted to complete the same course relying only on captions and was unsuccessful. With the support of a qualified interpreter, I am now passing my current trimester – something that would not have been possible otherwise.”
One of Kerryn’s favourite units has been GELO210 (Dinosaurs), which has offered both academic excitement and a unique linguistic challenge.
“This has been so much fun because I’ve been having a crash course in Auslan paleontology signs. Much of paleontology doesn’t have specific or fixed signs, so these have been organically grown as I’ve moved through the course. My interpreter for this subject has been an absolute gem.”
Balancing study with a full schedule, Kerryn juggles work, family commitments, and volunteering.
“My wife and I just had our first child, I work full time, and I’m starting my own heritage business. I also volunteer with a few different groups, largely with the Deaf queer community.”
As for advice to other students, Kerryn offers a reflective perspective: “I wouldn’t risk giving my younger self a heads-up in case I ruin my own journey. I’m happy with where I’ve ended up and who I am.”
Looking ahead, Kerryn plans to focus on growing her heritage business and spending time with her family. “Anything else is a bonus,” she says with characteristic optimism.
