Loosen up, be patient,
ask for help:
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Professor Nancy Pachana
As we go through life, each of us at times might reflect on the increase in knowledge, capability and confidence that experience brings.
Many movies, and the occasional piece of research, explore the idea of what one might say to a younger version of yourself. Even a quick stroll (or, these days, scroll) through the scientific literature shows the breadth of topics, disciplines and populations explored through this lens.
For example, expert coaches asked to write such a letter to their younger selves spoke to themes of willingness to learn and develop, appreciating the contribution of others, understanding and behaving in line with values, embracing uncertainty and difficult challenges and creating and maintaining a work–life balance.
Older LGBTQIA+ women of colour advised their younger selves to be less fearful, embrace who they are and to harbour no regret. A large US study of 30+ year olds revealed that the most popular topics to give advice on were relationships (by a wide margin), followed by education, selfhood, money and directions/goals.
Advice given in this study included ‘be kind to yourself’, ‘learn to let go of regret’ and (heartening for me, as a geropsychologist), ‘pay attention to older people'.
At UQ, through the Age Friendly University Initiative, we are always looking for ways to facilitate inter-generational dialogue and listen to the voices of all members of our community, regardless of age.
In this spirit, we asked some of the leaders of our community – our past UQ Alumni Award winners – to share the advice they would give to their younger selves.
Professor Nancy Pachana
As we go through life, each of us at times might reflect on the increase in knowledge, capability and confidence that experience brings.
Many movies, and the occasional piece of research, explore the idea of what one might say to a younger version of yourself. Even a quick stroll (or, these days, scroll) through the scientific literature shows the breadth of topics, disciplines and populations explored through this lens.
For example, expert coaches asked to write such a letter to their younger selves spoke to themes of willingness to learn and develop, appreciating the contribution of others, understanding and behaving in line with values, embracing uncertainty and difficult challenges and creating and maintaining a work–life balance.
Older LGBTQIA+ women of colour advised their younger selves to be less fearful, embrace who they are and to harbour no regret. A large US study of 30+ year olds revealed that the most popular topics to give advice on were relationships (by a wide margin), followed by education, selfhood, money and directions/goals.
Advice given in this study included ‘be kind to yourself’, ‘learn to let go of regret’ and (heartening for me, as a geropsychologist), ‘pay attention to older people'.
At UQ, through the Age Friendly University Initiative, we are always looking for ways to facilitate inter-generational dialogue and listen to the voices of all members of our community, regardless of age.
In this spirit, we asked some of the leaders of our community – our past UQ Alumni Award winners – to share the advice they would give to their younger selves.
Dr William Yang
Bachelor of Architecture 1968
Doctor of Letters honoris causa 1998
2022 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to Australian culture.
“Seek what you want to do, and do this with determination and conviction, even though it may seem hard at times.”
Dr William Yang is one of Australia’s most important living artists, with his social documentary photography exploring issues of cultural and sexual identity over the last 5 decades. He integrates his photographic practice with writing, performance and film.
Dr William Yang
Bachelor of Architecture 1968
Doctor of Letters honoris causa 1998
2022 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to Australian culture.
“Seek what you want to do, and do this with determination and conviction, even though it may seem hard at times.”
Dr William Yang is one of Australia’s most important living artists, with his social documentary photography exploring issues of cultural and sexual identity over the last 5 decades. He integrates his photographic practice with writing, performance and film.
Leeanne Bond
Bachelor of Engineering 1987
Master of Business Administration 2008
2022 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for excellence in business and engineering and a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“Stay in touch with your fellow alumni. They will be great contacts during your career, and you will enjoy seeing how their careers emerge in very different ways. And work out how to say yes to opportunities rather than passing them up too quickly.”
Leeanne Bond is an influential engineering industry leader, with more than 30 years of corporate experience. Throughout her career, she has led professional bodies and advised on government policy, advancing engineering and infrastructure outcomes both within Australia and internationally.
Leeanne Bond
Bachelor of Engineering 1987
Master of Business Administration 2008
2022 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for excellence in business and engineering and a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“Stay in touch with your fellow alumni. They will be great contacts during your career, and you will enjoy seeing how their careers emerge in very different ways. And work out how to say yes to opportunities rather than passing them up too quickly.”
Leeanne Bond is an influential engineering industry leader, with more than 30 years of corporate experience. Throughout her career, she has led professional bodies and advised on government policy, advancing engineering and infrastructure outcomes both within Australia and internationally.
Tim Kerrison
Bachelor of Applied Science 1995
Bachelor of Science (Hons) 1996
Bachelor of Arts 1998
2023 UQ Contribution to Sport Alumni Award for remarkable achievements as a coach and sports scientist, unparalleled success in rowing, swimming and professional cycling, and for nurturing the next generation of elite coaches and athletes.
“Be patient. I didn’t find my path right away. But these can be some of the best days of your life, so don’t be in too much of a rush to get out into the workforce. Try different things and take time to find something that really works for you – that you enjoy and are good at, that will challenge and stimulate you, and for which the world needs your talents and passion.”
Tim Kerrison is one of the most respected high-performance coaches and sports scientists in the world. His coaching career began guiding Australia’s rowers to international success in 2002. He worked as a sport scientist, overseeing the development of many of Australia’s leading swimmers, including Jodie Henry, Grant Hackett and Liesel Jones, through to the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Tim Kerrison
Bachelor of Applied Science 1995
Bachelor of Science (Hons) 1996
Bachelor of Arts 1998
2023 UQ Contribution to Sport Alumni Award for remarkable achievements as a coach and sports scientist, unparalleled success in rowing, swimming and professional cycling, and for nurturing the next generation of elite coaches and athletes.
“Be patient. I didn’t find my path right away. But these can be some of the best days of your life, so don’t be in too much of a rush to get out into the workforce. Try different things and take time to find something that really works for you – that you enjoy and are good at, that will challenge and stimulate you, and for which the world needs your talents and passion.”
Tim Kerrison is one of the most respected high-performance coaches and sports scientists in the world. His coaching career began guiding Australia’s rowers to international success in 2002. He worked as a sport scientist, overseeing the development of many of Australia’s leading swimmers, including Jodie Henry, Grant Hackett and Liesel Jones, through to the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The Honourable Dr Anna Bligh
Bachelor of Arts 1981
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) 2010
2023 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for unwavering commitment to positive change, leadership, and serving communities.
“I'd tell that young girl that her homesickness would pass sooner than she imagined and that she was embarking on some of the best years of her life – so loosen up and get ready to enjoy everything!”
The Honourable Dr Anna Bligh is a respected Australian leader and former Premier of Queensland. In 2017, she was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for services to the Parliament of Queensland, and as an advocate for education and the role of women in public life, and services to the not-for-profit sector.
The Honourable Dr Anna Bligh
Bachelor of Arts 1981
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) 2010
2023 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for unwavering commitment to positive change, leadership, and serving communities.
“I'd tell that young girl that her homesickness would pass sooner than she imagined and that she was embarking on some of the best years of her life – so loosen up and get ready to enjoy everything!”
The Honourable Dr Anna Bligh is a respected Australian leader and former Premier of Queensland. In 2017, she was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for services to the Parliament of Queensland, and as an advocate for education and the role of women in public life, and services to the not-for-profit sector.
Dr Rolf Gomes
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 2001
2022 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for commitment to improving healthcare to people living in regional and rural Australia.
“I would tell myself to invest more time in finding mentors, read more biographies about people who had been where I wanted to go and learn how they got there. Be prepared to ask for help more often as more often than not people want to help. I would also invest in developing stronger communication skills as I realise how important this is as a determinant to success and furthering an idea.”
Rolf Gomes is a cardiologist and founder of mobile medical service, Heart of Australia. Dr Gomes used his background in engineering to revolutionise the way specialist doctors provide medical services to regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. Under his leadership, the program has treated more than 14,000 patients and saved more than 500 lives.
Dr Rolf Gomes
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 2001
2022 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for commitment to improving healthcare to people living in regional and rural Australia.
“I would tell myself to invest more time in finding mentors, read more biographies about people who had been where I wanted to go and learn how they got there. Be prepared to ask for help more often as more often than not people want to help. I would also invest in developing stronger communication skills as I realise how important this is as a determinant to success and furthering an idea.”
Rolf Gomes is a cardiologist and founder of mobile medical service, Heart of Australia. Dr Gomes used his background in engineering to revolutionise the way specialist doctors provide medical services to regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. Under his leadership, the program has treated more than 14,000 patients and saved more than 500 lives.
Professor John Pascoe
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) 1975
King’s College
2023 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for unwavering commitment to advancing veterinary medical education, the veterinary profession globally, and academic leadership
“These will be the best years of your life, make the most of them – explore and take advantage of the myriad opportunities the University offers you to grow as a person.”
Professor John Pascoe is an accomplished veterinary surgeon, leader and mentor. He is recognised for developing innovative ways for veterinary students to learn surgical principles. He collaborated with local animal shelters to provide neutering to mitigate over-population and other surgical procedures to increase adoption, and in doing so he assisted shelters financially, increased adoption rates and supported the successful development of community-based surgical rotations for veterinary students.
Professor John Pascoe
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) 1975
King’s College
2023 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for unwavering commitment to advancing veterinary medical education, the veterinary profession globally, and academic leadership
“These will be the best years of your life, make the most of them – explore and take advantage of the myriad opportunities the University offers you to grow as a person.”
Professor John Pascoe is an accomplished veterinary surgeon, leader and mentor. He is recognised for developing innovative ways for veterinary students to learn surgical principles. He collaborated with local animal shelters to provide neutering to mitigate over-population and other surgical procedures to increase adoption, and in doing so he assisted shelters financially, increased adoption rates and supported the successful development of community-based surgical rotations for veterinary students.
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