Academic rigor, journalistic flair
From high school I aspired to be a wildlife population biologist.
Graduate studies were stymied in 1976 by incoming govt which gave scholarships for much lower grades in applied sciences, none in my cohort.
I then returned to working as a builders' labourer / scaffolder for a total of around 10 interesting years.
Joined the public service to obtain a mortgage.
Retrenched from Telstra to which I had transferred.
Completed MSc in my preferred area (marsupial population ecology) part time.
Two years in PNG volunteering.
High school teacher for 11 years, retired early.
Maintain lifelong interests in natural history and leftish poliitics.
Avid lifetime commuter cyclist / cycle-tourist.. (crazyguyonabike.com)