Christine Robertson, MH370 search worker, talks graduating university with new psych degree

A former RAAF member – who worked on the front lines on one of the 21st century’s greatest aviation mystery – has spoken about the ‘valuable lesson’ she learned about herself.

The Charles Darwin University Campus in the Darwin CBD, also known as the Danala Education and Community Precinct. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A firey and RAAF member – whose career put her on at the coal face of the one greatest aviation mysteries of the 21st century – has added another impressive notch to her resume.

Christine Robertson has graduated with a bachelor of psychological science from Charles Darwin University (CDU), something which has her “excited for the future ahead”.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) graduate Christine Robertson has worked as a Queensland firefighter for the past six years. Picture: CDU

“I never graduated high school and I never believed I was smart enough to be accepted into university, but this experience showed me I was capable and resilient enough to face the pressure and challenges that inevitability come with studying in university,” she said.

Mrs Robertson has been a firefighter with the Queensland Fire Department, and before that, a member of the RAAF.

While with the RAAF, she was part of the search for MH370 – the Malaysian Airline flight which vanished without a trace in March 2014.

No trace of the aircraft has been found to this date.

However, these experiences taught Mrs Robertson “a valuable lesson about myself”.

“I still love my role as a firefighter and serving the community in a meaningful way, however my focus has always been becoming the best version of myself and my family, and I am excited for the future ahead,” she said.

Mr Robertson is one of more than 2000 CDU graduates who completed their degree within the last six months.

“It’s an incredibly surreal and rewarding experience – at times, I envied those graduating ahead of me, but I am deeply grateful to celebrate this milestone,” she said.

“This journey has shaped my identity and today I have the privilege of wearing many hats alongside my graduation cap: wife, mother, daughter, sister, and firefighter.

“I think this reflects the reality that we are not confined to one path and with support of the right people around us, we can pursue multiple passions and carve our own unique journeys.”

Originally published as Christine Robertson, MH370 search worker, talks graduating university with new psych degree