A flat white earned Dr. Rhonda Evans an immediate nod of approval from Nicola before becoming the perfect springboard for a conversation about Australia, curiosity, and the unexpected opportunities that can shape an entire career.

Rhonda didn't get her first passport until she was 28 years old. She had no idea that one long flight to Australia would change the course of her life. In this episode of Counsel Brew, she reflects on how growing up as a first-generation college student in rural Ohio eventually led her halfway around the world, proving that some of life's biggest opportunities begin with simply saying yes.

Rhonda also reflects on starting her career as a lawyer before realizing her true calling was in higher education. She shares stories about teaching at The University of Texas, creating a study abroad program centered on the Great Barrier Reef, and helping students build confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. Woven throughout the conversation are thoughtful reflections on curiosity, lifelong learning, and why the best career advice doesn't always involve having a plan. Sometimes it's simply being willing to follow where your interests lead.

From Australian coffee culture and long-haul flights to an unforgettable "stupid shit" story about her time as a prosecutor handling paternity investigations, the conversation moves effortlessly between the lighthearted and the unexpected. What begins as a humorous look back at one of the more unusual chapters of Rhonda's early legal career ultimately reveals a pivotal turning point, helping her realize that while she appreciated the law, her true passion is political science, higher education, and helping students discover where their own curiosity might lead.

In This Episode

Growing up as a first-generation college student in rural Ohio
How one opportunity to study in Australia changed the course of her career
Why she left the practice of law to pursue teaching and research
Creating a study abroad program focused on the Great Barrier Reef
Helping students build confidence through international experiences
What makes Australia so fascinating, from its politics and conservation efforts to its unique culture
How curiosity became the compass for an unexpected career
Flat whites!!

About Dr. Rhonda Evans

Dr. Rhonda Evans is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government at The University of Texas at Austin and Director of the Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Studies Initiative. A former attorney, her teaching and research focus on Australian politics, comparative political institutions, and environmental policy. She is also the creator of UT's Maymester program in Australia, where students explore public policy and conservation while studying the Great Barrier Reef. Her work has been recognized for excellence in teaching and for helping students engage with the world through experiential learning.

Listen now:

Find Rhonda at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-evans-305aa4105/

Message us at hello@counselbrew.com

Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com

And Follow us

@counselbrew

https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/

Send us Fan Mail

Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.