Lumen Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 23
S: Progression of technology probably has to be a big one. I grew
up as a child with curly phones, box TVs and VHS tapes. To see
now wireless earbuds, VR headsets and AI becoming a norm is
incredibly amazing to witness. I also particularly appreciate the
advances in the medical field and seeing the use of technology
in that space is amazing. I look forward to more advances over
my lifetime.
Does time pass quickly or slowly – and has this
changed over your lifetime?
C: It’s not something I can do anything to control. I’m prepared to
be content with the way it is now. It doesn’t bother me. My time is
still mine to use as I wish even though I’m mostly confined to one
room in a fairly big institution.
S: To my dismay, time flies when I’m prepping for an exam!
However, I think childhood passed quickly and most things feel the
same when you look back on them. I think, as I’ve become an adult,
I’ve learnt the value of living in the moment and am trying to stay
present more, instead of thinking about the future constantly.
What is the most amazing thing that has happened
to you during your lifetime?
C: Well, it’s a fairly long span of time I’m looking at. I was
born in 1922. During World War II I was in England and there
was a volcanic eruption in New Guinea where my twin sister was
working. For 24 hours, time stopped, and I was in a fog until word
came through that she was safe, and working to save others. She
was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for that.
S: There are lots of amazing things. I had the privilege of
speaking as a 19-year-old in Parliament, I’ve attended two World
Indigenous People’s Conferences in Education and was a youth
engagement officer for the 2022 one, and I’ve been able to compete
and represent the State and University in sporting competitions.
While it’s impossible to pick one, I think celebrating with my family
after being accepted into medical school is a top pick.
LUMEN
Dr Joan Durdin AM, aged 102, BA (Hons) RN, FRCNA, D Univ
(Flinders) is a distinguished nursing education pioneer. In retirement she
earned a BA (Hons) in History at the University of Adelaide in 1985,
and she is the author of two books on the history of nursing. She was
made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1985 for her contribution
to nursing.
Jayde Thyer, aged 22, completed her third year of medicine in 2024. She
is active in many advocacy and youth work roles, passionate about First
Nations education, and has been involved in World Indigenous People’s
Conferences on Education since 2022.
Story created by Mark Douglas, Editor of Lumen. Photo by
Isaac Freeman, photographic editor.
