Initially he set out to become a chef before an accident at the age of 16 left him in a wheelchair as a high-level quadriplegic. 

Demonstrating a level of maturity and realism beyond his years, Ben refocused his plans to utilise his wit and intellect.

Following his accident Ben returned to Tenterfield High School to complete his High School Certificate.

Although he did well achieving a University Admission Index of 75, he missed out on his first choice of business and environmental law and opted down the path of social science.

This year he completed his Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Government Policy Studies at Southern Cross University in Lismore.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though as his studies took an emotional and physical toll.

“I came out of it a little disenfranchised with the world – it was just a mixture of different things,” he said.

“I don’t think people knew the toll it took on me, I spent a lot of time in bed which cut in to my social connection.

“At the time I did question what I was doing there,” Ben said.

Ben’s family were paramount in encouraging his continuation in his courses and having his grandparents close by in Lismore helped keep his spirits up.

“My family went to my graduation and they were all proud for me.

“I think lots of people are proud of my accomplishment,” he said.

In the first year on campus he entrenched himself in the usual university experiences.

“I was doing the partying and drinking and was out and about,” he said.

But as is often the case, friends moved away from campus and he found himself becoming somewhat reclusive.

He’s positive though that he’s left with valuable experiences that will aide in his next transition and despite coming away with a Bachelor of Social Science he’s now looking down different avenues.

“I’m thinking accounting - it’s a bit more tangible and applicable.

“I question whether I want to be writing and marking papers and whether I’d have the time or energy for something like that.

“I think though, that society would be better off if more people studied social science – it’s an interesting degree and teaches you a lot but it also raises a hell of a lot of societal issues,” he said.

The university provided scribes to assist Ben in his lectures, but he completed his assignments on computer using a combination of mouse and voice-recognition software.

“I did really enjoy the class aspect and getting to discuss things with people,” he said.

Having spent a while in Lismore he’s happy to be home in Tenterfield with his family around him.

“I think the last time I came home for the summer I was really then looking at moving back.

“I think I’m just treating this year as a bit of a reprieve,” he said.

While Ben deserves recognition for his achievements, he remains humble.

“I don’t know if it’s modesty of pragmatism but I realised that there are a lot of people worse off,” he said.