HeyU Issue 56 - 29 August | Page 25

Features 25 ‘Sitting, waiting, wishing for something to happen is not going to achieve anything. The more opportunities I actively pursue, the more opportunities that become available.’ However, the amazing facilities and staff were secondary to why Alex really decided to study overseas. ‘Sitting, waiting, wishing for something to happen is not going to achieve anything. The more opportunities I actively pursue, the more opportunities that become available.’ Driven by the mantra ‘fortune favours the bold’, Alex has spent more than a year and a half planning and preparing for his trip abroad, and is currently finalising his budget and accommodation. But that doesn’t mean he has no concerns about his adventure. In addition to being nervous about leaving his girlfriend and family behind, Alex is also concerned about being able to cook a decent meal for himself, as his culinary repertoire is ‘rather limited’. Planning to become an astrophysicist means Alex has many years of study ahead of him, but he’s not worried. ‘I know what my destination is, so for now I just need to focus on completing the journey to get there.’ Whether travelling the world or exploring the universe, Alex’s advice for others is to pursue whatever opportunities arise that will help them get closer to their goal. We wish him all the best for his study abroad adventure and his future career. ‘Take whatever lead is given to you, follow it, and it may be quite surprising where you end up.’ Discover more about the research that USQ’s astrophysics team is currently exploring via the research website, and find out more about USQ’s Study Abroad program.