In my personal experience, the staff at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies have always been approachable, and continually display that they are all experts in their field. The last time I finished a postgraduate university qualification in 2002, I joined the Army as a soldier. Since then, I have been inspired by numerous work experiences in the Middle East, a year-long Farsi language qualification and broader experience in the international environment to pursue a Master of Middle East and Central Asian studies. I now understand the region more deeply and am better able to fulfil my current role in the Department of Defence providing policy advice to government.