The Real YouQ

What is your favourite UQ memory?

I don’t think anything can top graduation. That feeling of finally being ‘done’, wearing the cap and gown, hearing your name called and stepping onto the stage. Incredible.

Is there a place on campus you feel most connected to and why?

I loved walking through the Great Court (who doesn’t?) but feel so much nostalgia for and connection to the old journalism buildings at the back of campus. I created a lot of memories there. They weren’t much to look at back then, but somehow feeling a little isolated from the great, big buildings around the rest of the campus made being at uni a little less daunting. I was an 18-year-old from the Sunshine Coast who had never stepped foot on a university campus or spaces as magnificent as those at UQ. My start at uni was exciting and terrifying in equal measures.

Looking back to the day you first set foot on campus, is there anything you wish to tell that person now?

Everything will work out. Try to breathe and enjoy the experience. You will find your place in the world and end up in a career that you love.

What’s one fact that people wouldn’t know about you?

I am a pretty open book, honestly. Maybe my time as a musical theatre kid? I love to sing, act and perform – which comes in handy working in the social media space.

Who are your real-life heroes?

My mum would be my number one hero. She was my daily inspiration when I was younger, and when I became a mum my respect for her grew and continues to grow as my kids get older. Modern-day motherhood is incredibly challenging and my mum was an engaged, loving and present mother despite juggling many, many balls. She died in 2010, and I wish I could spend some time getting to know her better now that I am a mum myself.

Professionally, my other 2 heroes would be Leigh Sales and Sally Sara. They were my inspiration for studying journalism and wanting to be a journalist.

Is there a skill you wish you had learnt, or one that you’re currently trying to master?

How to relax. I would love to meditate and be more mindful, but I struggle to be still – my mind never stops thinking, planning, creating.

What are 3 things you can’t live without?

My health.
My family.
Music.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished The Rosie Project but Graeme Simson. I am late to the party but discovered Graeme when he and his wife Anne Buist spoke about their wonderful book The Glass House at this year’s Brisbane Writer’s Festival. When I heard Graeme had written a book from the perspective of an autistic man who was discovering his identity in his search for love I couldn’t resist. It’s a wonderful book.

Making light of important public health messages takes some serious guts – are most days in the office a total hoot?

Some of our viral posts have been a wild ride! I am super proud of the team and so grateful they are getting the recognition they truly deserve. One of our posts remained in the news cycle for more than 5 weeks (insane) and we’ve reached publications in Norway, New York and the UK. Locally, it was exciting to see our work featured on The Project. I still can’t believe how far and wide the message went. It’s been such a career highlight to change health behaviour one meme at a time.

We do have a lot of fun at work. We take the time out to laugh, be chaotic, sing and joke, bounce ideas off each other and enjoy each other’s company. We all genuinely like each other and feel grateful to work where we do. It’s a joy coming into the office and spending time with such genuinely exceptional human beings. This joy seeps into our work.