The Graduate

Fred Johnston, 23

The idea to start a master’s degree popped into my head in June. My original plan had been to travel around Australia during the latter part of 2020, before looking for employment early in the following year. But by mid-July, it became clear that this wouldn’t be possible because of the travel restrictions and that employment would be hard to come by. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I had already completed four years at university, and some of my mates were already in work, so the prospect of a further year and the extra financial costs were daunting. I felt a sense of sadness and stress on the day things were being confirmed. I felt anxious about what would come next. Though I vaguely knew one of the people I was living with, to all intents and purposes, I didn’t have anyone that I could easily meet up with. On the plus side, this provided me with the focus and motivation to make the most of my extra year of study, and I built up my friendships with those still at the university from the sports clubs I’d played in. From feeling really bleak at the start of the process, I grew into the course and have built positive relationships with my housemates. Movember’s “Move” exercise campaign also gave me a positive reason to get out of the house and get fit over lockdown. It has still been difficult to get into a routine, and at times I’ve gone a bit stir crazy. But I feel I’ve gained a sense of perspective.