Anthony Moore
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and to make a valuable contribution.
Despite growing up in Canberra, there were still some aspects about ANU that surprised Anthony Moore when he commenced his Bachelor of Arts degree.
"I was surprised by what an actively engaged and intellectual community it was and still is. I remember telling people that even some of the bathroom graffiti was noticeably more thought-provoking than anywhere else I'd been before."
Since graduating, Anthony has remained an active member of the ANU community, including as a volunteer with ANU Alumni during graduations.
"I ended up having such a great time that I've volunteered at the last three graduation weeks. More recently, I took part in the inaugural Student Welcome Calling Program and helped out at the ANU St Vincent de Paul Society's Pop-Up Op Shop during O-Week."
"Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and to make a valuable contribution. I really like how it's introduced me to new people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, most of whom I might not have otherwise met. It's nice to find myself talking with people who studied very different disciplines from what I studied, and perhaps even during the same years."
Anthony credits studying at ANU with teaching him independence.
"Learning to be a self-starter, to plan ahead, and to be as organised as possible were a result of studying at ANU. I certainly wasn't that kind of person before, but I can't imagine being otherwise now. I also think that ANU taught me to take greater responsibility with regard to the success or failure of projects."
Anthony recently returned to ANU to study for his Master's degree after shifting from his initial ambition to become a secondary school teacher.
"I found the reality of secondary teaching to be fairly different from both how I'd imagined it to be and the tutoring experiences that I'd previously enjoyed. Leaving that path was not an easy decision, but eventually I decided in favour of returning to ANU to study for a Master of Translation. After being back for a semester now, I feel as though I've made the right choice."
He believes that other recent graduates can also benefit from keeping a sense of perspective when things don't work out as planned.
"Whilst there will always be some things in life that we can't change, we can choose to think differently and change how we regard them. It's very easy to live with blinkers on and to regard given circumstances in a negative manner, but it's important to try to see things in the best possible light."
