Roswell New Mexico seems a world away from Rockhampton, Queensland.

One connection is American Mallory Bailey who recently completed her second stint at CQUniversity Rockhampton Campus with a flourish, attending the writers' workshop on North Keppel Island in early May.

Mallory Bailey on North Keppel Island. Picture courtesy Shay Ledingham

Mallory orginally experienced CQUniversity back in 2009 during a six-month exchange. She returned to complete a Bachelor of Arts specialising in creative writing, literature and cultural studies.

The American student made plenty of friends in Rockhampton, particularly among the student music crowd on campus. She also became a valuable member of the student team helping produce the 21st anniversary Idiom 23 Magazine, providing crucial support for the late Dr Liz Huf (who died in November last year, only a few weeks after the latest edition was launched).

Mallory says the lush surrounds of Rockhampton Campus were a highlight of her degree.

"The campus feels like a rainforest in parts and I showed my parents on Skype," she says.

Mallory Bailey on North Keppel Island.  
Mallory enjoys North Keppel Island's environment