Why I Became an Academic: A Small Moment That Meant a Lot

Small moments in our lives can be powerful reminders of why we chose our career. This post reflects on a coffee catch‑up with a student — whom I’ll refer to as S — in Parramatta last Friday. 

S is enrolled in the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of New England (UNE) and is currently about halfway through the program.

I first met S in the Introduction to Planning History and Theory (GEPL121) unit early last year. They stood out immediately: highly engaged, curious about the origins of planning and eager to strengthen their academic skills. They took every piece of feedback seriously and applied it thoughtfully in their essays. Their efforts paid off — they ultimately achieved a Distinction, a result that reflects both their diligence and their genuine interest in the discipline.

Several months ago, S reached out to ask if I would act as a referee for a student planner position at a government agency. I agreed without hesitation and completed the reference check report. Their application was successful, and I’m pleased to have played a small part in their journey.

Last Friday was the first time we met in person. S, based in Wollongong, studies online but occasionally visits UNE’s Sydney campus. I asked them to let me know the next time they planned to come in so we could catch up over coffee.

We ended up talking for almost an hour and a half — about planning, life and everything in between. Time passed quickly. S was exactly who I expected based on our online interactions: personable, friendly, enthusiastic and, most of all, deeply passionate about planning.

As we wrapped up, S surprised me with a “small gift”: a komboloi and a handwritten thank‑you card.

What they didn’t know is that this is by no means a small gift. Their appreciation, expressed so vividly through their handwritten note, is one of the highest forms of reward an academic can receive.

The blue ribbon, the komboloi and the landscape artwork on the card all reflect S’s Greek background, adding a warm personal touch. But it was the handwritten message that moved me most, prompting a moment of quiet reflection on my own career path. 

Academic life can be demanding. We juggle teaching, research and service responsibilities, often under tight and overlapping deadlines.

Teaching, in particular, requires significant time and care: preparing lectures and tutorials, curating readings, designing activities, answering student enquiries and navigating the ever‑complex myLearn Learning Management System (LMS). Marking deadlines are always tight — especially at the end of a trimester.

Despite these challenges, moments of genuine appreciation like this remind me why I chose academia.

Every time a student expresses gratitude or shares how a unit has shaped their learning, I’m reminded of the purpose behind this work: to create transformational learning experiences and empower the next generation of planners with the knowledge and skills they need for their careers.

I think I’ll go back to playing with the komboloi now.