‘I WANT TO BE…’ is a line thrown around
a lot by kids, but none more than Simon
Playford. So how did someone who had
high aspirations to be a doctor or prime
minister decide on a Bachelor of Business
and Bachelor of Laws?
‘It wasn’t until my formative high school
years that I took to legal studies with a
passion. It is the knowledge that in every
action we make, whether that is driving a
vehicle or attending a concert, there are
laws and legal obligations enforced upon us.’
Accompanying this passion with the belief
that ‘having an insight into the business and
economical world can only assist in every
part of your life’, studying law and business
was the best decision Simon could make!
Now, as a fifth year student, Simon is
successfully accomplishing study while also
involving himself in as many extra-curricular
activities as possible, choosing things that
not only help him improve his current
knowledge, but things he also enjoys.
You’d think that being the USQ Student
Guild President, USQ Law Society Secretary
and recently receiving the Student
Representative of the Year award would be
enough to keep anybody on their toes! But
Simon is loving every bit of it!
So what has been the biggest challenge
that Simon has faced thus far? ‘It truly was
the lack of motivation, in particular during
my second year of study. Motivation is a
consistent problem during study. There are
always going to be temptations that seem
more appealing than textbooks!’
To overcome this challenge, Simon promptly
booked an appointment with his Student
Relationship Officer (SRO), with the intent
of discussing his options around getting out
into the workforce quicker.
The result? ‘She [his SRO] empowered me to
understand that I wasn’t alone… and I had
the support to continue.
Ever since that appointment, I haven’t looked
back… I pursued with the attitude of every
little action I do now will help my future.’
After his experiences, Simon’s best advice
concerning a lack of motivation is:
• Visualising that there is a bright
future ahead.
• Grounding yourself by remembering the
reasons why you started in the first place.
• Celebrating all good results or
achievements in your study life –
‘Positivity is never a bad thing.’