Logan provides lesson on how to juggle life, learning and kids

Budgewoi graduate Logan Baker has proven that when there’s a will there’s a way, successfully balancing university study with a growing family.

The 28-year-old University of Newcastle alumni has completed a Bachelor of Arts (2016), a Bachelor of Law (2018 – Honours) and a Diploma of Legal Practice (2018) whilst juggling a hectic home life.

He said his five children – Shylah (aged eight), Cadence (five), Amelia (four), Holly (two), and Gracie (born in July) – were the main motivation to power through his intense study load.

“I decided to get the best job I could for my family. Studying to become a lawyer sounded good to me,” he said.

“Although I took legal studies in high school and really enjoyed it, I didn’t realise how many opportunities a law degree would open and how I could use it as a platform to educate.

“Throughout my study, I decided being a lawyer may not be the right choice for me. Thankfully, the University has given me the ability to pursue so many more opportunities in the legal field.”

Mr Baker said the secret to his success was good time management.

“A lot of my time was spent making the most out of those late nights when I was up with the kids anyway,” he said.

Along the way Mr Baker worked various jobs, including as a tutor at the University, labouring and working full-time with his father in electrical manufacturing in Sydney.

His health also took precedence at times, with his functional neurological disorder often overshadowing the stresses he faced.

“My condition is triggered by stress, so managing that became my priority at times,” Mr Baker said.

“As a result of my seizures I’d often lose my memory and my ability to speak, which you kind of need when you are studying a law degree.”

Mr Baker eventually decided to start up a new photography and videography business, called Fotisto, with his wife Melissa, shooting commercial, corporate and wedding content for a range of clients.

“It’s funny that I ended up down this path because I’d always been an advocate for keeping your phone or your camera in your pocket and living in the moment,” he said.

Now with his studies complete and his business in full swing, Mr Baker has decided to combine his tertiary degree with his passion for videography.

“I want to use my skills and talents as photographer and a videographer to bring some innovation to the legal sector,” he said.

“Not everyone understands the way the world works from a legal perspective and I’d like to help educate people and give a leg up to those people in society who need it.”

For further information please contact University of Newcastle Communications and Media on 02 4921 5577 or email media@newcastle.edu.au.