Content
Age no barrier to university success
1 April, 2005
Coolum local, Pam Hardgrave, graduated with a Dean's Commendation at this year's Graduation Ceremony, and at 73-years of age, she is USC's "most mature" student.
Ms Hardgrave completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Communication and Creative Writing in 2004 and is continuing her studies this year with an Honours degree with well-known author and USC Senior Lecturer Gary Crew as her supervisor.
To help ease into study, she first completed a few courses as a visiting student before progressing to full-time study and found the interaction in the tutorial room invigorating.
"I loved tutorials where we all discussed ideas and debated issues," Ms Hardgrave said.
A love of writing was her reason for returning to study.
"Initially I looked to develop knowledge in my long-held hobby of creative writing.
"I became absorbed and with the encouragement I received, I decided I may as well do the whole thing."
Ms Hardgrave wrote numerous short stories during her studies, some winning awards with the Sunshine Coast Writers' Group. She has also had articles published in local newspapers and magazines as a freelance feature writer.
Ms Hardgrave found her lecturers and tutors supportive.
"They have all been very encouraging. My age has never been a problem or barrier when seeking knowledge," she said.
Ms Hardgrave also teaches English to Year 11 and 12 High School students as a private tutor.
Before embarking on her university career, Ms Hardgrave worked in a tourist resort, owned a real estate agency, has been a dairy farmer and stud breeder and raised four children.