What drew you to study?

Many students come to university specifically to attain academic credentials for their career, meanwhile others simply wish to reskill and pivot their lives. There are many different ways to academia, for example the path that UNE Alumni Jackson Shoobert walked to university – following his passion for learning. 

“I was never driven by desire for a certain career. I just wanted to learn more about subjects that interest me. The career that may arise from it is something I would gladly grasp at if given the opportunity, though I would say. I wouldn’t be able to really pinpoint my drive onto one reason alone. I guess I was fated to pursue such things.”

Jackson came to UNE in 2015 from his home town of Grafton after “seeing the exceptional state of the history and classics units”. After arriving at university Jackson followed his interests in the humanities and before he knew it he had studied a slew of units across the faculty, ultimately earning him a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major of International and Ancient History. While Jackson describes his studies as “relatively normal”, his passion knowledge, his studies and his continued research is something to behold.

Since finishing his degree Jackson has forged other opportunities at UNE that have allowed him to continue his pursuit of knowledge in the humanities field.

“I have found work at the University of New England Museum of Antiquities and numerous opportunities to become involved with conferences and further academic opportunities. I also recently co-presented a paper with Dr Bronwyn Hopwood at the Mediterranean Archaeology Australasian Research Community’s inaugural conference. Part of the work this presentation is based on has been used as teaching materials at UNE, which I would say is pretty neat.”

Outside of this work within the humanities school at UNE, Jackson continues to explore the subjects that initially piqued his interest and brought him to university.

“I have continued in research and academia; I am looking forward to having an article published in ‘History in the Making’ later this year. For the field itself, I would say the potential for the future is really promising.”

As with many alumni, Jackson recognises the importance and potential of opportunities, which aren’t always presented without some effort or passion.

“I would say to someone going along the path I am that you really need to enjoy what you’re doing. The best results come from both hard work and passion. Opportunities come, but nothing gets handed to you on a platter; best to be prepared for them.”