#futurereefs

[usandtheocean]

How impressive is the structural complexity of this reef in the background. It is suggested that the structural complexity is an extremely integral aspect of a coral reef health. Studies have shown that structural complexity is positively linked to biodiversity and carrying capacity of reef ecosystems.

Nikon Coolpix W300 - October, 2019.

©PaigeStrudwick

[usandtheocean]

Let us just backtrack for a second. It seems I had not updated this photo journal for so long that I had forgotten where I left you. Let me explain where I was at when we parted ways, where I am now and what happened along the way.

I left you guys almost a year ago in August 2018,  when I had been granted a bridging visa and was allowed to start working. A lot has happened since then. Mostly I was searching for funding, I had been given an offer to complete my Masters at UTS around about that time, yet I was still considered an international student and I couldn’t afford those fees. 

I had been working at a rock climbing gym full time, which I absolutely love doing. To be able to share your passion with so many people is a privilege. Yes, rock climbing is a passion of mine I haven’t shared on here yet.

In August 2019 I was granted permanent residency. This changed the game for me, as it meant I am now considered a domestic student. This also lead to me being awarded a Research Training Programme Government funded fee offset, meaning I didn’t have to pay for fees. Hence, in late August I enrolled at UTS to begin my Masters of Science by research doing my dream project in coral microbiology in relation to current restoration techniques.  

That brings me to where I am now. I currently do not have a living stipend, so I still work at the rock climbing gym to support myself (pay rent and buy food, you know those important things) whilst I am conducting my research and studying. I am so grateful that I have this opportunity and I have the capacity to be able to work on the side. My supervisors are extremely supportive and there are so many inspiring people in the office and lab group that I feel like I’ve struck gold. I still get overwhelmed with imposter syndrome every now and then. Such as, when I was given my desk I was sure someone would come along and say I was in their seat or when we were out on the reef setting up my nursery frames that I would just wake up from the dream.

I’m so proud of myself for persisting, not giving up on my dreams and believing I was capable of doing this. If I’ve learnt one thing so far, it is that if theres something you’ve found that ignites a spark, or a fire inside of you, you have to keep at it, don’t waste it and more importantly never give up on what sets your soul alight.

Nikon Coolpix W300 - October, 2019.

©PaigeStrudwick