Ergon Energy linesman Nathan Worth is pursuing aspirations to become a school teacher, by studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) with CQUniversity. Nathan is studying via distance, but he enjoys being able to visit the Cairns campus when he needs to. He finds the flexibility of studying via distance allows him to stay on track whilst balancing his working and family life.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
I currently work for Ergon Energy as a live linesman and connection officer. After Cyclone Debbie hit I was able to participate in the recovery effort, concentrating on the Airlie Beach area. Even though it wreaked havoc with my studies and home life, it still felt good to be able to respond to the needs of the community.
What was the moment that made you choose your career?
I’m studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Most teachers have a story along the lines of always wanting to be a teacher since they were little, but I never really had that. Since my own kids have come along however, I feel like it’s something that I’m good at, and that I enjoy. There was no specific ‘moment’ for me, it was more a slow realisation. We need more male teachers in the field as well.
What is the best thing about being at CQUni?
I enjoy telling people that I’m studying at CQUni. I think CQUni has a pretty good reputation in the community, it feels like everyone I tell is either studying themselves or knows someone who is.
What do you like the most about the study arrangements at CQUni?
The flexibility of distance education is just fantastic. My wife and I both work, with three kids, and all the associated activities they bring, and we’re still able to work towards completing our degrees (my wife Melanie is also studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at CQUni). Being able to watch a recorded Zoom session at midnight, plus the lecturer’s willingness to answer emails and help us goes such a long way towards that.
Describe the greatest moment in your life so far?
I’m married with three kids, so I have four greatest moments so far. A highlight though was the birth of our third. We’d decided to have a home birth, and when the day came it all happened so quick that the midwife was late, and I ended up delivering him. We were prepared, and it all went well, so that was a pretty great moment.
Why should people study at CQUni?
I’ve been raving to everyone since I began studying about how good distance education is. CQUni is well suited for it, it’s easy to get the hang of Moodle and the website, and with today’s technology it’s not that different to actually being there.
What is your favourite book and movie of all time?
My favourite book is IT by Stephen King. I’ve always loved King books, and I’m looking forward to the Dark Tower and IT movies that are coming out soon. My favourite movie is The Matrix. Even though the fight scenes are pretty cool, I like the discussions around it, about our perception of reality, how do we know what’s real and what isn’t. I’ve always found it to be surprisingly philosophical and deep, and there’s a lot of Matrix-related readings out there. The fight scenes ARE pretty cool though.
What would be your last meal?
My wife makes a lamb meatball korma dish that I have to be careful with, because I will literally eat so much of it that I feel sick. That would absolutely have to be my last meal. With pappadums.
Lovely story