A Roller Coaster Research Journey: Reflections on the HDR journey as a mature aged Higher Degree Research student

This year’s theme for the Faculty of Arts and Education Colloquium, “The Public Good” opens up the discussion of possibilities that encompass the benefits of research and the contribution that research makes to the world in which we live. The impacts of critical thinking and transformational learning are far reaching and in this paper I reflect on my journey as a mature aged Higher Degree Research student. I compare my research journey to a roller coaster ride as it comprised of many highs and lows, as well as the inevitable plateaus. As a sole parent I juggled raising my 5 sons with full time study, it really was a roller coaster ride! I begin with some background information about who I am, what I have done and why, before sharing some of the highs and lows my research journey. I include some light bulb moments and offer a little advice. I make mention of my thesis, Australian National Identity: Somewhere Between the Flags? My research investigates how the Australian national flag signifies national identity and inclusion for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. One of the results of my roller coaster journey is that my thesis has become a tangible product that can be adapted as an educational tool.