Voice | volume 1 | March 2023

V O I C E

WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE AWABAKAL AND GURINGAI PEOPLES AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THIS COUNTRY ON WHICH WE WORK AND PLAY. WE THANK THEM FOR PROTECTING THIS COASTLINE AND ITS ECOSYSTEMS, AND WE RECOGNISE THEIR CONTINUING CONNECTION TO THE LAND AND WATERS WE PAY OUR RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST, PRESENT, AND EMERGING, AND EXTEND THAT RESPECT TO ALL FIRST NATION'S PEOPLE PRESENT TODAY.

'VOICE' IS AN EXTENSION OF THE MINDS OF THE STUDENT BODY AT PRESENT, NOT THE VIEWS OF THE INSTITUTION. OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF TO SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS, IDEAS, AND EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLD THROUGH THEIR OWN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE; EACH INDIVIDUAL'S CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE IS UNIQUE, AND WE ACKNOWLEDGE THIS.

G E T I N C O N T A C T

V O I C E T E A M

Nikolai Baumanis -s20075121@student.avondale.edu.au

Phone: (02) 4980 2333

Extension: #333

Email: security@avondale.edu.au

Pr Norman Hurlow - Norman.Hurlow@avondale.edu.au

Pr Morgan Vincent - Morgan.Vincent@avondale.edu.au

Phone: (02) 4980 2272

Extension: #272

Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au

Located: in the main foyer of University Church

Open: Monday - Thursday from 9am - 5pm & Fridays 9am - 12pm

Phone: 0403 478 994 (SMS preferred)

Email: counselling@avondale.edu.au (appointment queries only)

Located: the counsellor's office is situated in the wellbeing centre

Lana Hibbard (Lead Clinical Counsellor)

Jonathan Gould

Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health, and personal concerns.

F R O M T H E E D I T O R

H e r e w e a r e

2 0 2 3 !

T h i s y e a r I e n c o u r a g e y o u a l l t o s h a r e y o u r V o i c e

I n 2 0 2 3 , t h e V o i c e t e a m i s s t r o n g a n d f u l l o f l o v e a s e v e r . T h e t e a m a r e s t a r t i n g a n e w c h a p t e r , a n d t h e y ' r e r u n n i n g ! T h e y h a v e e n t e r e d t h e n e w y e a r w i t h s o m a n y i d e a s a n d s o m u c h i n s p i r a t i o n . I a m b l e s s e d t o h a v e w o r k e d w i t h s o m a n y i n c r e d i b l e i n d i v i d u a l s o n t h i s i s s u e - t r u l y a m a z i n g h u m a n b e i n g s - I c a n n o t t h a n k y o u e n o u g h T h i s i s o n l y t h e b e g i n n i n g a n d k n o w i n g t h a t t h e r e i s s t i l l s o m u c h f o r t h e t e a m t o e x p e r i e n c e a n d d i s c o v e r t o g e t h e r m a k e s m y h e a r t s o w a r m

I h a v e h a d s o m u c h f u n d i r e c t i n g a n d d e v e l o p i n g t h i s i s s u e , f r o m t h e a r t i c l e s t o t h e g r a p h i c s - w h a t a b l a s t ! I l o v e t h a t I g e t t o s h a r e m y l i f e a n d e x p e r i e n c e s w i t h y o u , a s w e a r e a l l i n t h i s j o u r n e y t o g e t h e r .

W h i l e t h e l a s t f e w m o n t h s h a v e b e e n a q u i e t t i m e o f r e s t a n d r e c h a r g e f o r m o s t , f o r m e , i t h a s b e e n a l l a b o u t p u t t i n g e v e r y t h i n g i n m o t i o n t o m a k e s u r e a l l t h e r i g h t t h i n g s h a p p e n . I h a v e b e e n w r i t i n g i n m y f a v o u r i t e p l a c e a m o n g s t t h e t r e e s , t r a v e l l i n g , a n d p l a n n i n g P l a n n i n g , p l a n n i n g , p l a n n i n g !

I t f e e l s a s t h o u g h l i f e h a s s o m u c h m o v e m e n t r i g h t n o w – t h a t I ’ m r u n n i n g , r a c i n g , j u m p i n g , f l y i n g s o p u t o n y o u r r u n n i n g s h o e s F o r m e , I k n o w t h a t t h i s y e a r i s g o i n g t o b e a s e a s o n o f c h a n g e . M a y b e i t ’ s a n e w f o u n d f r e e d o m w i t h i n m y s e l f , o r p e r h a p s i t ' s t h e p e o p l e I ’ v e c r o s s e d p a t h s w i t h B u t t h i s y e a r I a m r u n n i n g …

T h a t ’ s i t f r o m m e f o r n o w

E n j o y t h e f i r s t v o l u m e o f y o u r V o i c e f o r 2 0 2 3 : )

N I K O L A I B A U M A N I S

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Nikolai is an English and Food Technology Major studying Secondary Education. He spends most of his time listening to Aussie music, daydreaming about ridiculous hypothetical scenarios, and cringing at grammatical errors.

H I G H L I G H T S O F O U R S U M M E R

My highlights include (but are not limited to) sweaty beach days, sunset picnics, and interstate flights. Not all at once. Although... I can't think of anything better than sitting under a beach umbrella on the hot sand munching on a cold piece of watermelon just as the sun meets the surface of the ocean on the horizon of the south-eastern coast.

- NIKOLAI BAUMANIS

Catching up with one of my best friends during her visit back home as we hadn't seen each other in years, since she moved overseas. We hung out in our hometown and went to all our favourite local spots; it was very nostalgic for both of us and a highlight of my summer.

- TAYLAH JONES

The highlight of my Summer was visiting the 'Feared and Revered' exhibit at the National Museum of Australia. Celebrating the ancient women who've shaped our world and perspective of femininity was incredible, and as history-buffs know, spending hours surrounded by marble statues and ancient tapestries is never time wasted!

The best time was catching up with all my Sunny Coast friends during the lead-up to Christmas. I hadn’t gotten to see them much all year, so getting to do the nostalgic festive things like carols, fireworks, lights, and markets made it such a highlight.

- LAUREN BOND

SURVIVE & THRIVE

-Ways to survive and thrive whilst starting university in the new year-

The start of university is an overwhelming time. Whether you are new to the scene or have been around the block, there are many things to wrap your head around and exhaust yourself with during the first semester's starting weeks. A few veteran Avondale students have some advice that may make starting university this new year and looking after yourself that little bit easier

Samuel Long

Scheduling time to study, socialise, and relax is super helpful. You should be social, you make the college experience, but it's important to chip away at your university work to avoid it being overwhelming later. While university is an amazing experience, it can also be draining, so schedule time to relax and take care of yourself.

JESSICA MAY

It might be a corny quote, but "do more of what makes your soul happy" University life can get chaotic, exciting, and overwhelming, easily taking us away from doing what makes our soul happy. Whether it's a form of exercise, art, or losing yourself in that favourite book, it's important to try to incorporate it at university and not just over the breaks. Make the time.

Lara Duffy

Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people and have a chat Most people studying at Avondale are here for the experience, and that includes meeting new people and making new friends, so don't be scared to socialise with others.

JAETH ARCHER

The time between your last class of the day and dinner is the least tempting to socialise. Utilise that time for study and working on assessments, as most socials happen after dinner. Also, finding a physical and social hobby like sport is a great way to keep you healthy while making lifelong relationships.

Sophie Hutchinson

Doing your notes in class and having an assessment schedule will help you to get the best out of your uni experience. By doing this, you can say 'yes' to the most fun social opportunities and not stress about doing an assessment last minute.

Beth Ong Peduche

Be open to new opportunities, adventures, and friendships. Challenge yourself to participate in Avondale's activities and events. Be sure to take care of yourself - have a self-care routine, and sleep as much as possible.

Megan Wilson

Pour into the social life on campus! Whether you are a first-year or a returning student, there are always more amazing people you haven't met yet, so try to put yourself out there whenever you can

Becca Darko

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Socialise in orientation week, find your crew, and prepare for some late-night fun. Uni can be tough but remind yourself of the end goal, and in the meantime, it's okay to ugly cry to your friends.

Pheonix Kiruwi

When starting semester one, it is great to have a good grasp of what brought you to study at Avondale. It can be very easy to get caught up in the social aspects involved in university life and forget why you are there in the first place

Settling into university life takes an adjustment period. Try not to judge how you are coping and adjusting to starting university this year; everyone is different and will adapt at their own pace. It is important to be aware of when you are extending yourself beyond the point of being able to bounce back and restore your mental and physical health The start of semester provides an excellent opportunity to check in with yourself and do things that will prevent exhaustion.

There is a whole community around you ready and willing to support you. If you are struggling, please lean on your support systems, whether that be your family, friends, or Avondale services such as on-campus counsellors and tutors.

Counsellors are not a support system to be used only when you are distressed or emotionally worn out. They can help you maintain your mental health before you become emotionally exhausted If you ' re having trouble getting back into the swing of things or generally need someone to talk to, seeing a counsellor may benefit you and help you prioritise your well-being, allowing you to make the most of your university experience

University is a great experience that can provide you with many rewarding, fulfilling, and fantastic opportunities to further your career and aid your selfdevelopment. The best experience you can have at university involves you taking care of yourself. So, while making the most of your university experience at Avondale, especially during this first semester, be sure to prioritise looking after yourself.

Taylah is a Bachelor of Arts student studying Counselling. She speaks fluent sarcasm, has a knack for burning toast, and is attracted to dance floors, patterned pants, and historical fiction novels.

Her interests include complimenting people's sense of style, wandering art galleries, and watching live music. She is easily distracted by good conversation, coffee, and the beach, while she soundtracks her life to indie rock music. She is yet to perfect the art of relaxation, resulting in her expansive range of hobbies and a growing collection of incomplete projects.

The Run

The air was still and pleasant, though the sun hinted that it would warm rapidly, just as it had for the past week My sister, aunt, and I walked from the concrete pavement of the shaded garage onto the taupe and brown gravel, which crunched and crackled under our runners It had become our morning ritual to get in some morning movement before the activities of the day commenced With 5km worth of gravel to crunch underfoot, we began the tiresome task, willing though we were The Garmin’s buzzed, and we were off Christmas day 2022 began as any other day of our holiday

As I ran along the rail trail, my mind wandered Gazing out upon the rolling green hills as far as the eye could see, I remembered my grandfather telling me how he used to ride the trains along sections of the old train line as a young boy with his mother to visit his aunt who lived near the ocean The ground beneath me used to be a trail line back in the day Though the line was closed in the mid 90s as renovations began on the existing running trail The thought continued to fascinate me as I tried to picture my 82 year-old grandfather as a blond 10-yearold, seated on the brown leather seats in the interior cabin of a blaring steam train charging through the very track I was running on I also tried picturing my great-grandmother who accompanied him Though I had never met her (for she died a few short years before I was born), it almost seemed like I had The stories I had heard from my dad, his siblings and my grandparents were described so vividly that they had slowly crafted a sculpted image of her that I otherwise wouldn’t have known Her freshly baked scones, biscuits, and sponge cakes all marvelously crafted in her wood stove became childhood highlights of my dad and his siblings. She kept a block of chocolate on the top shelf and only allowed herself to indulge in two squares per day, a respected disciplinary action. Her Saturday night custom was to enjoy the weekly screening of ‘The Sound of Music’, and this gave me a harmonious image of her. It was the little bits and pieces, the smallest but fondest moments, that gave me the greatest image of who she was.

What I admired most about my great-grandmother was her strength She was an active member in the community, completing the 8km family fun run in her leather Oxford heels even into her mid-80s She was a devout Catholic and single mother who raised four boys Her love language was cooking right from the early days, exploring New-Zealand in her early 20’s and working as the head cook of a wealthy estate There was never a time my dad visited her where he left with an empty stomach The community would rave about her cooking; no one could get their sponge cake quite the same as hers

I glanced up from my run, breathing in and out The air was so fresh it felt like a breath of life which helped me continue, although the faint smell of pungent cow pat soared into my nostrils and danced around my olfactory bulb, causing my face to crinkle in disgust I realized that these thoughts had distracted me from the pain my oxygen-starved muscles were experiencing. This run had taught me more than where my fitness levels were at. It taught me that through taking the time to remember where I had come from, I learnt more about who I was. And nature had helped me do that. The vivid explanations I had in my mind as well as the smells, sounds, colours and the crunch of gravel underfoot brought my imagination to life and uncovered a train of events that occurred decades before I was born. History brought before me, someone to aspire to, possess the strength of, and a close connection to my family. My story. And it all started with a run.

Even the smallest of memories shape the biggest stories. As you reflect upon your college years later in life, it may not be the mark you received for that unit that you remember, but the chats you had in the hall until 3am. Or when your friend jumped the fence and tried to pat a cow on University Drive (not recommended). Or when you ate fries from Maccas that tasted like cardboard and kept going back even though they were rubbish. The smells, the sights and the sounds are what shapes these very random, but concrete memories Because even the small things can have the biggest emotion attached to it That’s why we remember them

Experiences creates memories and stories As you enter into this year at college; maybe it’s your first year, maybe it’s your last; remember to say 'yes' to creating those memories Before you know it, it’ll be you telling your grandkids about all the ‘good ol’ times’ you had at Avondale and beyond So make those memories, big or small Think of the stories you’ll tell I promise you won’t regret it

THE GREAT UN-PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

First year v.s. last year university students

University marks an incredible time in a person ’ s life, but often it’s not till the experience is over that we begin to question, which was better? The year of firsts or the epic conclusion? Two of Avondale’s finest are here to argue their case for the best year of university.

The first year of uni is full of so many firsts. I know it’s implied, but for us, excitement is tangible and we enter this experience ready to throw ourselves into everything, whether it be social, sport, or spiritual

As a first year, my dream for the next three years is to find myself in my community. I think Avondale is super unique in its ability to unite people with similar values/beliefs/interests, so I want to leave this place surrounded by a community of friends that will follow me into the future. With my enthusiasm primed, I will leave having given everything a go and having tried to experience as many new challenges/opportunities as possible (just to say I did).

Being a fourth year brings a sense of adjustment and normalcy to the Avondale experience. It’s easy to get bored of uni life or feel sick of it after four years, and most won’t remember the enthusiasm they felt towards life during their first year. Uni will be over before they know it, and they’ll miss out.

But the first years? We make the most of every day. We enter the semesters thriving in our newness, and learning the skills we need to make it in the world of university.

I can’t wait to enter the classroom and finally become a teacher, but for now, I’ll search out new friends, visit new places, and hold on to each first

When I entered university, my dream was to make lifelong friends and hopefully pass all my subjects! Now I’m in my final year, I can confidently claim that I have achieved what I set out to do. Though the dreams I entered university with changed and developed with time, they grew with me, and as I enter my final year I know they’ll continue to develop in the best way. Being in my final year means I can look back at my journey and see how far I’ve come. I know the names of each of my classmates almost as well as my familys', and a few have grown to be my closest friends. Without these close relationships I never would have made it this far, and I know I owe much of my success to them.

Would I trade this camaraderie in for a return to my first-year awkward small talk and initial greetings? Never

Being a fourth year is a privilege, as it allows me to consider all I’ve learnt in my time here. I can (mostly) balance academic and social calendars with ease, and can build new relationships with ease I’m even great at scheduling!

(Something my mum never thought I’d master). Even when ‘mad month of May’ comes around once more, I have these years of experience to remind me that I can face these challenges ahead.

I would never have had this kind of confidence in my first year.

Finally, I believe that being a fourth year is better because you have a sense of accomplishment of how far you’ve come which motivates you to make it to the finish line. I no longer question how I’ll ever make it through four entire years of study as I’m almost through!

Would it be great to experience this Avondale experience once more?

Absolutely. But I wouldn’t trade my sense of accomplishment, confidence, relationships, or passion for anything

What's something you appreciate about the other person? That he likes me almost as much as he likes Justin.

What's the best gift you have ever received?

Tickets to Hamilton on Broadway after my mum pretended to hate Hamilton for 6 months to throw me off. Sweetest 16th ever.

What's an annoying habit the other person has? The gigichad face.

If money didn’t matter, what would you want to do for a living? I would love to open a youth centre of some kind where I could connect with all the youth in my area. I reckon it would be awesome.

If your partner was a drink, what drink would they be? Strawberry milk. A bit childish, usually cold, but overall - it never disappoints.

Describe the colour your partner would be:

I’m feeling a bright purple, like the colour of the hoodie he always wears. It’s fun, happy and lowkey fruity so perfect match, imo.

What are your top two love languages?

Words of affirmation and Acts of service.

Describe your partner in three words: Alright I Guess.

What's your ideal date?

No, but in all seriousness, I have always said my ideal date was going to see a musical and that’s exactly what he took me to do, so I guess he’s a keeper.

Do you think guys still need to ask their girlfriend/wife to be their valentine?

I’d say no. However, I’m sure there is someone out there who would disagree, so I guess it depends on the couple.

What's some advice you would give to singles?

Um, look I wouldn’t take my own relationship advice tbh, but I guess just live your life and be your own person.

What's something you appreciate about the other person? The way she is service oriented and really has a focus on God, which inspires me to continuously grow my faith.

What's the best gift you have ever received? A run-down mummy van.

What's an annoying habit the other person has? In every single photo she’s pulling a funny face.

If money didn’t matter, what would you want to do for a living? Probably solve world hunger, idk.

If your partner was a drink, what drink would they be? Tonic water, because not many people like her.

Describe the colour your partner would be: Pink, cause she’s a girl…I hope.

What are your top two love languages? Personal space and friendly encounters.

Describe your partner in three words: Kind. Selfless. Awesome.

What's your ideal date? A short one.

Do you think guys still need to ask their girlfriend/wife to be their valentine? Yes.

What's some advice you would give to singles? Stay single.

MESSY MEDIA

AVATAR: The Way of Water

The long-awaited Avatar: The Way of Water finally aired as a nine-year later (!!) sequel in December last year. I'll be honest; that one scene from Annie (2014) where they rip off Avatar is the closest I've gotten to enjoying a movie about blue characters, but it takes a pretty good second place.

PLOT SUMMARY

The sequel follows the journey of Jake Sully, a human-turned-Avatar, and his family. Jake is forced to not only face his past, but fight against those he once trusted to protect his family and the Avatar clans of Pandora. Leaving their home with the Omaticaya clan, they are obligated to adapt to the lifestyle of the Metkayina clan - the reef people.

WHAT I LIKED...

The film incorporates a cultural significance by acknowledging the Avatar clans' Naʼvi language, while making it convenient for the audience by not having to read subtitles the entire time Jake’s monologue in the opening scene explains how Naʼvi was interchangeable with English for him, beginning the smooth transition to something we all, as the audience, can understand without subtitles.

The graphics of this series lead us to delve into the fantastical universe of enchanting sights and be swept up in the action, especially when watching in the third or fourth dimension. This sequel introduced the next generation of Avatars: Kiri, Lo'ak, Tuk, and Spider. Kiri's side story - her seizures, connection to Eywa, and ability to fit in with the Metkayina clan while the Sully family struggled - made her stand out from the others and create a cliffhanger due to the mystery of her circumstances

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE...

Let’s be honest. Spider was flakier than gluten-free communion bread. True, he was struggling with what would obviously come from just finding out your father, now in Avatar form, was aliveespecially when he had grown to hate him. But there was a sense of uncertainty about whose side he was taking: his father's or the Sullys'. To top it all off, Miles Quaritch's role as the villain feels repetitive and seems as though it may be an ongoing pattern for the Avatar series.

THEORIES

Quaritch and his son, Spider, may become the next Norman/Harry Osbourn pair from Spiderman. Hopefully, it'll follow more of the cliche bad-guy-turns-good-and-seeks-forgiveness-then-diessaving-the-protagonist storyline. I'd much rather see that than Spider turn evil. Another theory going around is that Jake Sully’s identical twin brother from the first Avatar movie comes back and forces Jake Sully to face a reflection of his past and what his life could’ve been.

WRAP-UP

With at least three more Avatar movies in the series to come, we can all be sure that the universe of Pandora and the conflict between humanity and the Na'vi will grow to envelop us all in the fantasy. Preferably in a two-hour time frame.

THE 26A EFFECT

There s something unusual about the sensation of travelling on an aeroplane, but it’s not the feeling of your ears popping, the lack of leg space, a mini Kit-Kat costing $5 from the on-board food service, or even the fact that you ’ re hurling through the sky at 900km/hr inside a metal tube

It’s the awkward feeling of being in-between here and there, coupled with the heavy realisation of how seemingly insignificant you are in a world – that when viewed from above – is so large

My stomach feels unsettled on aeroplanes, and it’s not from the turbulence I am leaving everything behind Perhaps I’m not used to leaving things unfinished and without closure I’ve left bridges unburned This seems to add to the stuck, pulling, tearing feeling of being caught between two places

I’ve left a part of me in each place and now I’m in neither

Instead, I’m way up, with the very real possibility of never making it back to here nor there

Just when I am starting to feel comfortable, a contrail lines the sky with me sitting in 26A.

Long story short – I sometimes feel like this is no longer my home The many flights I have been catching lately have brought on this epiphany

Why does the trip feel shorter and darker on the way back ‘home’, how can this be where I am meant to be?

I question what the hell I am doing as I walk across the tarmac to the wobbly aluminium stairs

And before the wheels leave the runway, I have already calculated the next time they’ll touchdown there again

My instinct is to stay here and fight, but now I know how easy it is to catch a flight

How nice it would be to start over fresh.

Here was a place that I felt like someone, which twenty years of nothing must’ve whispered in my ear as a humorous little lie

Because how is it that within two days there I can feel like more of a someone than I ever have

And I know this is a cryptic code, but it s only because my mind cannot face my heart A truly terrible and torturous thing to read - but just a welcome mat to my mind

You see, while the turbulent landings don’t upset my stomach, they jostle my mind

I become confused about what I think I know and feel.

But what I do know is that I eagerly wait for the next cross-wind-blown touchdown in that place

The place that was once ‘there’ that I wish I could call ‘here’

JORDAN bOLST