The sky is not the limit, it’s only the beginning for Griffith Sciences couple Emma Cullen and Ben Exler.
In pursuit of the perfect aviation program, Emma came across the Bachelor of Aviation at Griffith University in 2015. Regarded as one of Australia’s most highly recognised aviation teaching programs, Emma wasted no time packing her bags and relocating from Western Australia to the Sunshine state.
Originally from the UK and then the Middle East, Ben lived in Tamworth with his family and had moved to Brisbane a year earlier to study aviation as well.
Although they commenced their studies at different times, Ben was a Residential Advisor in one of Griffith’s residential colleges and supported a lot of community building initiatives. He’d coordinated a floor party and Emma was invited by another friend in aviation.
They enjoyed each other’s company, and Emma mentioned that she collected and sold antique books.
“We were walking upstairs at the time, and I ended up tripping. Quite literally when I fell for her.” Ben said.
After bonding over their love of books and flying, they had their first real date at Archives Fine Books on Charlotte Street in Brisbane City. Then they headed next door for a bite to eat at The Pancake Manor, and Ben recalls it being “the best first date I ever had”.
As time went on, the two eventually moved out of college and into a share house with some friends. They both achieved pilot licences along the way and continue to enjoy flying.
They’ve also worked together in several capacities since graduation as they pursued their careers. This has been both in the same office, and long distance with Ben working interstate for months at a time.
“We’ve done the extreme. We’ve done long distance last year between Brisbane and Melbourne and then this year back to working in the same building with Airservices Australia.” Emma explains.
They recently bought their own home and have adopted a Great Dane mix called Dyson. They also have plans to continue travelling the world, starting with a visit back to the UK.