Decade-long journey leads Townsville father to graduation stage
For Townsville local Ken Christian, crossing the graduation stage this April will represent far more than completing a degree - it will mark the culmination of a decade-long journey defined by resilience, persistence and determination.
After enrolling in a Bachelor of Information Technology with CQUniversity in late 2015 and commencing his first subject in early 2016, Ken has now officially conferred, taking 10 years to reach the milestone.
Along the way, he balanced full-time work, raising two children, major career change and significant personal challenges.
“It took a bit longer than most people would probably like,” Ken said.
“But the main thing is that you get there in the end. The reward is in the persistence.”
Ken’s path to graduation was shaped by circumstances far beyond the classroom.
Five years ago, he experienced a marriage breakdown while continuing to study and work, navigating the emotional toll alongside the demands of university life.
“Trying to cope with that, while still studying and working, was incredibly challenging,” he said. “There were plenty of moments where I could have just given up.”
Rather than walking away, Ken pressed on - motivated by a desire to better himself and to set a positive example for his children.
“When you’ve got a young family, you want to show leadership and resilience,” he said.
“I wanted my kids to see that even when things are hard, you don’t quit.”
Born and raised in Townsville, Ken chose CQUniversity for its flexibility and accessibility, allowing him to balance study with work and family commitments.
He has watched the Townsville campus grow and evolve over the years, from the early study centre days to the modern campus that it is today.
“I’ve literally seen it built into what it is now,” he said.
“It’s been pretty cool to be part of that journey.”
Throughout his studies, Ken credits CQUniversity’s support services and staff for helping him stay on track, including counselling support and lecturers who took the time to understand his circumstances.
“You do become part of the family,” he said.
“People get to know you, and that support makes a real difference.”
After spending more than 20 years working in defence-related roles, both uniformed and civilian, Ken has since transitioned into the IT industry - a field he was drawn to through a long-standing passion for problem-solving and technology.
“I didn’t want to study something just for the sake of it,” he said.
“I wanted to do something I genuinely enjoyed.”
His degree covered a broad range of areas including networking, app development, cloud computing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence - knowledge he is now looking to apply as he considers his next career steps, including potential postgraduate study.
The Townsville Graduation ceremony will be held at the Ville Resort-Casino on Tuesday, 14 April and will be especially meaningful for Ken as it will coincide with his son’s birthday.
“My family has been just as much part of this journey as I have,” he said.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m excited to look forward now.”
Ken said he hoped his story would encourage others who may be facing personal or professional challenges while studying to persevere.
“Life doesn’t stop while you’re studying,” he said.
“But if you keep going, ask for support and don’t give up, you can get there. I’m proof of that.”
