CQUniversity Medical Science alumnus Linda Finch (pictured at her recent graduation with husband Mark and son Toby), leads a very busy life as a wife, mother, competitive power-lifter, and Taiko drum enthusiast, but already she is exploring new paths in postgraduate study. Hailing from Tasmania, Linda relished every residential school because of Rockhampton’s warmer climate and unique wildlife.
What is your first memory?
It was a dream I had when I was about four - I was in the ocean at night sitting on a surfboard. A shark came up and sat beside me and patted me on the back.
Are you a CQUni Alumni? If so, what did you graduate in?
Yes - I graduated last year in Medical Science - Clinical Investigation.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
I recently competed in a ‘strongwoman’ event where I got to pull a 4.5-tonne truck 10 metres in 75 seconds!
What was the best thing about being at CQUni?
The friendships you make, especially as a distance student. When you get together at the residential schools you tend to form strong bonds with people who are in the same boat as you.
What was the best thing about your CQUni campus?
I love the Rockhampton campus. The grounds are so beautiful and peaceful. I was so excited to see a curlew twice, and I like seeing the local wildlife - including geckos that I don’t get to see in Tasmania.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have always enjoyed strength-based sports. I am currently a competitive powerlifter, so a lot of time is spent in the gym lifting big weights. I really enjoy Taiko - which is Japanese performance drumming. It is an amazing stress release being able to hit a drum and it is quite physical but at the same time invigorating. I would recommend it to anyone no matter what age.
What was the moment that made you choose your career?
I had initially decided to study paramedicine, however, while studying the STEPS program at CQUni we had to critically look at our chosen career. I realised there were a few things about the job that wouldn’t suit my lifestyle - so I made the switch to Medical Science. I haven’t yet started my career, but my undergraduate degree has opened the doors to some interesting postgraduate opportunities that I am currently pursuing.
Describe the greatest moment of your life so far?
Apart from having two amazing kids, and getting married - I would say achieving my goal of graduating (with distinction) was pretty amazing. As a mature-age student, I wasn’t sure I would ever get back to university, but I found it so much more rewarding the second time around.
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
I got to meet the Queen. I had no idea she was visiting Launceston - I just happened to be at the park one day taking photos and noticed some barriers were put up. I hung around to see what was happening and I had prime position when Her Majesty turned up! I managed to get some photos and shake her hand.
