Interviewed and written by Charlotte Penhall
We continue the Humans of Charles Sturt series by sitting down with our next student driven piece, Kyle Dehnert…
‘I heard about Kyle Dehnert before I met him in 2022. He was dating one of my new friends at the time and I didn’t think too much about it.
Then he started to hang out with my friend group more and become someone you could always count on for things.
This is where I find he is relatable to other students.’
Here’s everything you need to know about Kyle as a Human of Charles Sturt, from how he likes to de-stress after a long day, to where he’s from, and everything in between.
What degree are you studying?
“I am currently going into my second year of doing a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management degree, specialising in Conservation and Ecology.”
What do you love most about studying and your course?
“I personally love the hands-on learning in nearly every lesson. Half of my classes are in the lab and so I’m getting to do a lot of practicals!”
What does your typical day look like?
“Well, my day starts somewhat early with having to get to 9 am classes. I then have lectures until lunch, before going to practicals or tutorials until mid-afternoon. From about 3pm onwards, I’m typically playing sports or just chilling out, recharging for the next day.”
Where are you from?
“I’m from the Coffs Harbour region of the mid-north coast, but I moved to start studying at the Port Macquarie campus in 2022.”
What were your interests as a child growing up?
“My love for sports started as a child and didn’t stop as I grew older. I can say the same thing about playing video games, cooking, and drawing. I use these as my break from university so I don’t get burned out.”
As a child, what did you aspire to be growing up?
“I originally wanted to become an engineer, however, I was not the best at math or physics. So I then set my sights on becoming a conservationist.
I want to work to preserve our habitats and ecosystems for future generations of plant and animal life.”
Who has influenced you most in your life?
“My Mum and Dad have always played a big part in my life, as well as my Environmental Science teacher in high school.”
How do you like to relax or de-stress?
“I’ll apologise now about the water bill but I like to take long showers to help relax and de-stress after a hard day. If I’m not doing that I also like to take long walks and have personal time to either read a book or play a game.”
What advice would you give to students starting at university?
“Finding your passion in your senior years of high school is vital.
Do what you want to do in the future, and find a way to pursue it through university. There is a way, you just have to find it, trust me.”
What’s your biggest challenge right now or what’s the biggest challenge that you’ve overcome?
“My biggest challenge to date is keeping my schedule in check. It can become a bit overwhelming at times. Being far away from home is tricky and it has affected me in the past.
Be sure to stay in touch with the family!”
In your life thus far, what has been the biggest life-lesson you have learnt?
“Don’t get me wrong, saving money is great, but making sure to spend that money wisely when you have it is harder.”
Do you have something planned in the next year that you are very excited about?
“Most of my second-year subjects have some distance components to them. I’m keen to get out and about in the world!”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t leave something good for something you think is better.
By the time you find out better isn’t good, good has found better.”
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
“Zambreros. Thank god there is one within a five-minute walk from the Port Macquarie campus.”
What is your proudest accomplishment?
“At the moment my proudest accomplishment is being able to do a 140kg deadlift. I’m actually really close to being able to do a 150kg deadlift!”
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Zambreros. Definitely Zambreros.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I see myself being a Conservation Biologist/Ecologist studying the world. Where I might be in the world at that point will be a mystery until I get there.”
Anything else you’d like our readers to know about you?
“Dirt science is awesome. You should definitely choose to study it.”
A final note
A big thank you to Kyle for being a part of our Humans of Charles Sturt blog series! We wish you the best in becoming a conservationist and preserving our habitats and ecosystems for future generations.
If you or anyone you know would like to participate in our Humans of Charles Sturt series, please reach out and email us at charlie@csu.edu.au
