K'trie Coster

K’trie Coster grew up on a farm outside Trundle, in central New South Wales. In more recent times, Trundle has seen a seasonal annual boom in playing host to the world’s only festival celebrating the Swedish pop group ABBA. But when K’trie was living there, the sign out of town declared a population of 550 people, which held steady year-round. And her local school only went up to Year 10.

Then at 16, K’trie jumped on a train and hoofed it to Sydney.

“I couldn’t wait to get out,” she says. “Within a week I had a job and I’ve been working ever since.”

In the early years of her working life, she worked in mainly receptionist, administration-type roles in a variety of industries. Then she found her way to shipping, and something clicked.

“I found it really interesting. From there I wanted to do more than just be the receptionist,” K’trie says.

She began working her way up, got into the operational-commercial side of shipping. It was a world away from where she’d come from, going from a small community to engaging with the rest of the world.

“I worked in bulk commodities so we were shipping from Australia to other parts of the world, and shipping other parts of the world to other parts of the world and into Australia.

“You’re dealing with different cultures, languages, time zones. And not one day was ever the same,” K’trie says.

During this time, she began a degree in business, studying part-time while working full time.

“But then my second marriage broke apart so I put that on hold thinking I’d get back to it when my mind was clear,” she adds.

She relocated to Montreal, Canada, and came back to Australia three years later. She was then ready to return to her studies, but her institution said it had been too long – she’d have to re-do the bulk of her subjects.

“I thought I don’t want to do that. Actually, I really wanted to study something I’m interested in as opposed to something I think will be good for my career.”

So at the age of 50, K’trie applied to ANU – the only place where she applied. Three years on, she’s preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Development Studies.

“I had some people who were negative at first, saying ‘Aren’t you a bit old for that?’ and those sorts of things,” she says.

“But I dismissed those negative thoughts and comments and went on my way. It’s never too late to get an education.”

When she graduates, she’ll be the first in her family to earn a university degree.

“I never had any self-confidence in my academic ability,” K’trie admits. “I know I do have it, but for whatever reason… maybe because I wasn’t a great student when I was at school.”

“Completing does sort of restore my confidence. I’m very proud of myself.”

She’s not sure what the future holds for her. She’d like to work in the development field, but is comfortable with the idea of returning to shipping.

“I don’t know exactly what my [next job] might be, but that’s okay. I like an adventure!”