Thread by @IndigenousX

So, a bit about me. I'm an Exercise Physiologist/researcher and work in the reversal of type 2 diabetes in mob.
I was born in Blacktown, and spent the first 11 years of my life in Mt Druitt. They were tough times but made a massive impact on who I am today.
1/17

As a teenager felt lost and no real connection to anything. I felt life was pretty well planned out for people like me. I struggle through life, then I die. I left school as soon as I could, a week after my 16th birthday. And from there my life spiralled out of control.
2/17

I was at my lowest when a sliding door moment occurred. I was coming down off LSD with a heap of mates and one bloke stabbed another. I thought that this can't be all there is. There must be more for me. I didn’t know what to do or where to go, but I knew I had make a change
3/17

I moved away 3 weeks later and started painting houses out bush. I had been doing weights for a year and started volunteering at a local gym to get some experience. The owner paid for my accreditation and within 8 months I was working full time in the fitness industry.
4/17

Within 2yrs I was working with the Academy of Sport training jnr Aus teams. It wasn’t long until I was preparing athletes for the Olympics. Once again, it started with volunteering. I knew it was a great way of getting industry training from some of the best in the business.
5/17

I had always wanted to go to Uni but never really though I was smart enough. At the age of 29, I applied to UTS and started a BA in Human Movement in 1999. I didn’t realise it then but my life would never be the same again!
6/17

I went into the degree thinking I was was going to learn about sport science, which I did. But the big thing was I learnt how to learn! I came out knowing that if I ever wanted to learn ANYTHING, I could do it. That was a very big awakening!
7/17

8 years later I would go on to do a Master of Teaching (PDHPE). I never planned on teaching with it but it was something I always wanted to achieve at school so I just did it.
8/17

6 years after that I started a Master of Research focusing on the reversal of type 2 diabetes in mob, and now I am back at UTS doing a PhD in that very topic!
9/17

The years in between those degrees were every eventful too. I trained 2 winners from 2 attempts on The Biggest Loser Australia
10/17

Wrote a couple of books
11/17

Was the sports scientist on The Contender Australia,
12/17

and formulated Rapid Loss meal replacement shakes and ran a nationwide lifestyle program.
13/17

I also worked with about 13 world champion boxers and countless Aus Champions,
14/17

and was awarded Exercise Physiologist of the Year in 2019
15/17

For the past 5yrs I have been focused on bringing change in the communities that need it. I have worked in Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Coonamble, Dubbo, and more. These communities never cease to inspire me and I'm proud to have have the opportunity to work with them.
16/17

So, over the next week I will be talking about a lot of these things and maybe share a few health tips. Might even do a few cook ups!
17/17