Yak Magazine - May 2017 Issue by UON Student Central

INDEPENDENCE

Issue 41 // May 2017 By Students, for Students

Economic independence for women // Inside the world of micronation // “I can do it”: Building student independence // Is teaching yourself, treating yourself? // Millennials caught in the ‘perfect storm’ //

Yak Magazine // May 2017

YAK MAGAZINE

The Independence Issue Issue 41 // May 2017

EDITORIAL We are Yak Media: the University of Newcastle’s student media channel, run by UON students. Our three platforms: Yak Magazine, Yak Online, and Yak TV – are run by dedicated teams of students. Yak works hard to bring you stories covering all aspects of student life, from health and wellbeing, to travel and entertainment, to politics and study tips. Let us know if you like what we do, have any suggestions for story ideas, or if you would like to get involved.

SUBMISSIONS

The Yak editorial team is always on the look out for passionate student writers and graphic designers to contribute to Yak Online and Yak Magazine. If you would like to take the opportunity to get your work published, please send a sample of your writing or graphic design work to: yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

STAY CONNECTED www.yakatuon.com facebook.com/YakMedia twitter.com/YakMedia

Managing Editor // Sarah Webb Managing Digital Editor // Jack Moran Promotions Coordinator // Nadene Budden Editor // Monique Aganovic Editor // Marissa Alexiou Editor // Sophie Austin Editor // Angelique Carr Editor // Chris Daniel Editor // Shea Evans Editor // Bridget Gunn Editor // Nikola Jokanovic Editor // Laura Kebby Editor // Madeleine McDonald Editor // Amy Mckenna Editor // Kieran Resevsky Editor // Jessica Worboys

DESIGN

Lead Graphic Designer // Jackie Brock Graphic Designer // Reid McManus

CONTRIBUTORS

Writer // Roszarie Behrens Writer // Alex Coburn Writer // Gunnaina Kohli Writer // Rob Prosser Writer // Nick Smit Writer // Monique Smith Photographer // Alice Kjoller

instagram.com/YakMedia yakmedia@newcastle.edu.au

COVER ART

Cover photo // Alice Kjoller Cover design // Jackie Brock

Printed by PrintCentre on Callaghan Campus.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

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CONTENTS 03 // Editor’s Letter 04 // Have Your Yak: Editorial 05 // Have Your Yak: Students 07 // Flying solo 08 // Table for one, please? 09 // Cross-cultural lessons on independency

10 // Health: Got your back, man 11 // Five Tips: Moving out of home for the first time 12 // Flying the coop: A guide to student living 13 // Creative Writing 16 // A letter to my children on independency 19 // Breaking the ceiling: Economic independence for women 21 // Loud labour of love: Independent music and the DIY ethic 22 // “I can do it”: Building student independence 23 // A Day in the Life: The charitable student 24 // Study Snapshot: Standing up for youth 25 // Mass Debate: Should Australia become an independent country? 26 // Is teaching yourself, treating yourself? 27 // Inside the world of micronation 29 // Mililennials caught in the ‘perfect storm’ 31 // The rise of niche 32 // Clubs and Societies: Women’s Collective 33 // What’s On?

Yak Magazine // May 2017

HAVE YOUR YAK EDITORIAL TEAM If you owned your own country, what would you name it?

EDITOR’S LETTER It’s okay to do things on your own. As a society, we tend to become very reliant on other people. Whether it’s going out in public, our financial state or travelling, we depend on others most of the time. This isn’t necessarily a ‘bad’ thing, but it also needs to be balanced out by living for yourself. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that people decide not to do things all the time, if they’re doing it alone.

Surely, we’ve all been guilty of this at some point. There you are, standing in line at the cinema, worried that stranger’s eyes are darting toward you, silently judging you for your lack of accompaniment. All the while, you’re checking your phone and making occasional glances outside the cinema doors, pretending you’re waiting for someone who’s late. But here’s a little secret: no one actually notices nor cares. Being independent is so important as we grow and figure out where we’re at in our lives. As we’ve started to do this, somewhere along the way, we became uncomfortable with being alone in public and we got used to doing everything in group settings, especially in university. During this first semester of uni, you realise that you no longer have hours and hours alone at home like you did in high school or the semester break. We forget how important removing ourselves from the fear of missing out and constant group contact is; to take some time to relax and regroup. Go to the beach by yourself, to the movies, or book that overseas trip you’ve been dying to go on – it’s perfectly fine to venture out without your squad. Being independent and able to support yourself remains important for much of your life. Don’t base your life goals on someone’s else’s choices, feel sure enough of yourself to make those big decisions on your own. Being independent shouldn’t be intimidating; it should make you feel empowered. Developing into an autonomous person can be one of the most worthwhile outcomes we can strive for ourselves. Here at Yak, we want you to go forth and do things you’re passionate about – and don’t be afraid to do them alone. Take it from Beyoncé: “…your independence comes from you knowing who you are and you being happy with yourself”. Sarah and the Yak team!

Sarah Webb Managing Editor, Yak Magazine “Hangary. Or am I just describing how I feel?”

Jack Moran Managing Editor, Yak Online “The Frozone (for when I inevitably leave human society and migrate to Pluto).”

Nadene Budden Promotions Coordinator “Leoland. Our flag will be Leonardo DeCaprio’s eyebrows and our anthem will be ‘My Heart Will Go On’.”

Jackie Brock Lead Graphic Designer “Hiber-nation (where no one gets judged for taking naps all the time, where ever they like, for as long as they like).”

Reid McManus Graphic Designer “I’d call it Old Zealand. Even though it’s newer than New Zealand. It will make a perfect trick question for a high school geography test.”

Yak Magazine // May 2017

EDITORS

Angelique Carr “Australia 2.0. There’s less spiders and even more Tim Tams.”

Monique Aganovic “Spice World, and the national anthem would be ‘Wannabe’.”

Marissa Alexiou “Pizza.”

Sophie Austin “The Republic of Cats, it definitely needs to be a thing.”

Chris Daniel “The Capital. And it would only have superior beings in it.”

Shea Evans “Tassheania, like Tasmania but named after myself. Either that or Sheaberia!”

Bridget Gunn “Great Bridgtain.”

Nikola Jokanovic “Either Westworld or Westeros since I am unhealthily obsessed with both of those TV shows.”

Laura Kebby

Kieran Resevsky “Bougie Blue.”

Jessica Worboys

“‘Caffeination... because caffeine is everything.”

Madeleine McDonald

“Bolognation. Citizens would be in a perpetual state of carb-loading.”

Amy Mckenna “Peacedom, like kingdom but with peace.”

“Pizza Planet.”

Yak Magazine // May 2017

HAVE YOUR YAK // VOX POPS What has helped you to become more independent?

Soo Hyun An Bachelor of Teaching (Humanities) “Getting a part-time/casual job and getting a driver’s license.”

Madelon Gillham Bachelor of Teaching (Science) (Honours) “I joined a club that helped me to explore Christianity as an adult and seperate from my parents. I found truth and purpose for my life in Jesus.”

Eleanor Harrison Bachelor of Health and Physical Education “Moving out of home two years ago.”

Jarrod Epere Bachelor of Communication “Moving out of home and learning that it is okay to be alone.”

Jun Jie Chau Bachelor of Medicine

Stephanie Ann Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

“Coming overseas to study and staying off campus. Taking care of myself and participating in more events.”

“Living alone away from home helped me to be adventurous and figure out many things independently.”

Yak Magazine // May 2017

Emily Wilkinson Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Honours) “Living out of home and having free rein over what to do.”

Roger Ly Bachelor of Arts “Getting organised daily and driving myself.”

Hannah Cliff Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) “Getting a job and my licence.”

Fahad Almunyif English Centre

Nicola Dalby Bachelor of Communication

Abdullah Fayadh Master of English Literature

“Travelling alone. High awareness of other cultures.”

“I became more independent by forcing myself into situations that demanded it. Getting on a plane and ending up in another country with no plan.”

“Friends and family are more supportive than anyone. They are who got me here.”

Yak Magazine // May 2017

FLYING SOLO Kieran Resevsky encourages students to consider independent travel.

Travelling by yourself and discovering the world on a solo mission can be one of the scariest, yet rewarding things one can ever possibly do in a lifetime. It’s an experience that compares to nothing else. You’re given the opportunity to explore a destination on your own terms, while having all the space and time you need for reflection and personal development. Sure, travelling by yourself can be downright scary at times. However, moments like that, which force you to grow and develop over time, get you hooked on new adventures. To get a better understanding on the driving forces and implications of solo travel, we spoke to Bachelor of Communication student, Nicola Dalby, who has recently returned from a sixmonth university exchange and three-month solo adventure around Europe. 7

This ‘thirst’ for adventure led Nicola to visit over 13 countries and make countless new friendships, where she could reformulate her travel plans to match those of her new friends. “It’s is definitely not easy and at times you may ask yourself why you decided it would be a great idea to be alone at night, trying to find your hostel in Slovenia,” she said.

“You’re given the opportunity to explore a destination on your own terms, while having all the space and time you need for reflection and personal development.” “The next day though, you may end up wandering Sarajevo with a travel blogger and sitting at a tea house with some Bosnian students for hours, in effortless conversation. Maybe you end up playing cards with a bunch of people you met at a hostel, who have quickly become your family, and try to reorganise your travels to stay with them just one more night!” Nicola has one piece of advice for people who are considering travelling alone: “bite the bullet and just go!” Promising that it will be one of the best experiences ever for some people, Nicola said we grow from these solo travels. “You will meet some of the most amazing people and you’ll have new friends for a lifetime,” she said. “You can be whoever you want; you’re suddenly alone and are forced to figure out who you are and who you want to be. You’re shown areas you have to grow in and work on, such as confidence and assertiveness.”

Photo courtesy of Arctic Guide Service

Nicola said she had always wanted to travel and go on exchange. “I want to see other places and all the different cultures,” she said. “We all live in one world and so many people are completely oblivious to those that they share it with. Exchange meant I could be immersed in another culture. I think I’ve learnt more traveling then I have in most of my studies.” Designed by: Jackie Brock

We see this repeatedly in our friends and family who travel alone. There is a greater sense of depth and appreciation of the world about them, for they have just seen and experienced things that are unexplainable to an untraveled ear. If you’re game, bite the bullet. Begin organising your trip of a lifetime. If you’re considering an overseas trip, you can visit STA Travel on Callaghan campus or head to statravel.com.au or studentflights.com.au to check out other flight deals for students.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

TABLE FOR ONE, PLEASE Fear of flying solo? Amy Mckenna thinks it could be the best thing for you.

Photo courtesy of Alice Kjoller

There are certain underlying stigmas around doing ‘date’ activities alone. Whether it’s going out to the movies, or out for dinner, it seems social stigmas have condemned us to a life of relying on companionship when, in fact, going it alone can have great benefits for easing anxieties and working on your self-confidence. Bachelor of Communication student, Brooke Tunbridge, said that the issue lies in a certain taboo around the word ‘alone’. “When I mention something that I did, or somewhere I went by myself, people seem to be stuck on the word ‘alone’, as if they could never imagine themselves doing the same,” she said. “I think everyone should be able to enjoy their own company and I genuinely feel sorry for those that can’t seem to do that.” Beginning to do things alone can also symbolise a turning point in our lives. Brooke and fellow Communication student, Jarrod Epere, both have had times where they were brave enough to take the plunge and do certain activities alone. Their experiences allowed them to identify more as independent individuals. Jarrod moved out of his parents’ home by himself, a few days after turning 18 years old. “I got all of my savings and put them towards the bond and first few weeks rent,” he said.

“That first week, when I was alone in a house, it was incredibly difficult. But slowly, doing little everyday tasks alone, I appreciated life that little bit more. I valued myself more and began to appreciate the time I spent with others.” Brooke, on the other hand, tells a different story with a similar outcome. She decided to pack her bags and head to a music festival. “I packed my car and went for a long weekend away in Wollongong to take photos at a festival,” she said.

a university student. “Alone time to me is all about reflecting on what’s going on in my life at that moment,” he said. “Going to places like the beach and shopping by myself, helps me wrap my head around things, especially if I’m at a busy time of the year. Doing things alone makes me feel like I have a grasp on things and that everything is going to be okay.”

“By doing things solo, the fear of the unknown will eventually evolve into a feeling of self-awareness, confidence, and independence.” “I stayed at a backpacker’s lodge and didn’t know anyone. It ended up being one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. It taught me that I can be alone without being lonely, which many people struggle with.” You don’t have to move out or travel to a distant music festival to be ‘independent’, but doing everyday activities alone, like eating out, seeing a movie or going to the beach, can be incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing in the long-run.

By doing things solo, the fear of the unknown will eventually evolve into a feeling of self-awareness, confidence, and independence. It also helps create a kind of tranquillity where you can really get lost in your own thoughts and begin to break down mental barriers. We’re not suggesting you ditch all your friends, but next time you want to go out for dinner, consider making it a table for one.

Bachelor of Business student, Jordan Avellis, said doing things alone helps ease the stress that comes with being Designed by: Jackie Brock

Yak Magazine // April 2017

CROSS-CULTURAL LESSONS ON INDEPENDENCY Want to know what it means to be independent in different parts of the world? Bridget Gunn chats to UON exchange students about their home and university lives.

Independiente, itsenäinen, indipendente, independent – different languages, one word. Yet all over the world, people have different understandings of ‘independence’, depending on a vast range of cultural and societal factors.

“As college tuition is paid up front, students tend to have a job or two to pay for their tuition. However, since they are low on money due to poor wages and expensive tuition, it can be harder for them to move out of home.”

From Asia to Scandinavia, and around to America, every culture has a different meaning for the phrase “to be independent” in both their schooling and home lives. And who better to discuss it with than some of UON’s own international students and explorers?

Interestingly, American teenagers are allowed to get their driving licence when they are 16, but they can’t drink until they are 21.

Te-Hsin is an exchange student from Taiwan, studying a Bachelor of Communication at UON for a semester. Te-Hsin has noticed a number of differences between Australian families and Taiwanese families. 9

“Although we’re all young students around the globe, it’s probably fair to say that independence means something different to those who are exposed to different societies and cultures.”

“In the USA, young adults are quite free to do what they want; drive alone when they’re 16, no backseat seatbelt laws, and speeding isn’t anywhere near as strongly enforced as it is here. If it doesn’t involve drugs or alcohol, you can do what you want.” On the other side of the world, young Scandinavian adults and their families have yet another understanding of the term ‘independence’. Norwegian exchange student, Bonnie, thinks that Norwegian parents “tend to turn a blind eye” to some areas of their children’s lives. “Australian parents seem to be more involved in their children’s experiences with exposure to alcohol and even drugs,” she said.

“In my country, my parents ask me to respect my elders, so children must listen to their parents even though sometimes parents can make mistakes,” Te-Hsin said.

“I think young adults in Norway are generally more independent than Australian young adults. Maybe not financially, as there is a heavy reliance on parental support, but there is less of a home-bound dependence as I find there is in Australia.

“By contrast, Australian parents accept their children to argue with them. They accept that their children have critical thinking; that they sometimes could challenge their parents.”

“Norwegians like to travel internationally on a regular basis, but maybe that’s because they have more money to spend and countries much closer to home.”

In Taiwan, Te-Hsin has long hours at university, sometimes 15 hours per day. She has found that although most Australian tutors encourage attendance, they won’t send letters home to the parents of students if they don’t attend classes, as they do in Taiwan.

This is similar to Denmark, according to Danish-Australian, Bachelor of Teaching student, Signe. “The driving age in Denmark is 18, but they can buy wine and beer at 16 and spirits at 18,” she said.

Te-Hsin said there is a focus on different aspects of learning at university in Taiwan. “In my country, I learn more about study and listening, not thinking.” Bachelor of Engineering student, Jayden, studied in Northern Arizona University for a semester last year, and he also noticed a lot of differences between UON and his American university. “I found there was more independence in the way grading works and applying for extra credit was quite popular if you wanted a few extra marks,” he said. Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

“My friends and I were buying alcohol at 14 without getting our IDs checked. Because of this, the young Danes grow up a lot quicker than we do here in Australia.” Although we’re all young students around the globe, it’s probably fair to say that independence means something different to those who are exposed to different societies and cultures. What makes life so interesting now, is that we so commonly get to share our different experiences with each other.

Yak Magazine // April 2017

HEALTH // GOT YOUR BACK, MAN Angelique Carr says shaming men is not the way to increase their help-seeking behaviours.

Men are given the short end of the health stick, right from the beginning. For every 100 girls conceived in Australia, 140 boys are conceived, but the birth ratio is 100 to 106. This means that nearly one third of all boys die before they are born. And it doesn’t get much better after birth.

And it’s not just social pressure holding men back. According to the Medical Journal of Australia, when men do go to the doctor, they spend less time and receive less advice from physicians. This means that medical professionals may not be equipped to properly treat and communicate with male patients.

Men are more vulnerable to suicide and genetic disease, are overrepresented in dangerous manual labour jobs, have a higher tendency to take risks that lead to injury, and have a lower life expectancy than women.

Men are also often overlooked in the health conversation. Male-specific services are limited to reproductive health, like prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.

“There needs to be more of a focus in the medical field; not around shaming men for not seeking help, but in figuring out how to reach out to men.” Despite this, men account for less doctor visits than women, even when factoring in reproductive services, and they are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. The prevalent mindset of young men seems to be that if they’re not losing limbs, then there’s no reason to get help.

There needs to be more of a focus in the medical field; not around shaming men for not seeking help, but in figuring out how to reach out to men, especially those with mental health issues. There are many factors that are involved in suicide, but there is no denying that men are three times as likely to die by self-harm than women. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the proper care had been in place. More than just in medicine, attitudes need to change in Australian society. It is the only way men will get the medical services they need. 10

This article began with the idea that men need to be more responsible with their health. But, the further the research led, the clearer it became that shaming men is not the way to increase their help-seeking behaviours. These behaviours, and men’s comparatively poorer health, can be attributed to social barriers and biological factors that are out of the control of individual men.

Health is always a complex issue and there are many aspects of men’s health that couldn’t all fit into the article. If you would like to find out more about mental health services contact your GP or visit mantherapy.org. If you need to talk to someone right away, call MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78. You can also contact the University’s Counselling Service online or by calling 4921 6622.

Research indicates that poor risk assessment in young men is probably an evolutionary by-product. Back when 40 was a ripe old age, and we needed to hunt for our meat, men who put themselves at high risk had a better chance of killing that woolly mammoth and catching the attention of the ladies. Nowadays, due to the convenience and our relative safety, risky behaviour like dangerous driving and substance abuse, has very little pay-off. This biological function is made worse by social pressures about presenting a certain type of ‘manhood’. Men with a capital M, are seen as stoic, independent and tough. The pressure placed on men to be ‘strong’, from both men and women, can lead to intense feelings of shame when they feel less-than. This means they will avoid looking like they’re worried, even about their health, because worrying is not ‘manly’. This emotional labour is then passed onto their partners. Women, consciously or not, tend to take up the burden of worry. It’s not uncommon to see ads in women’s bathrooms for prostate cancer screening, urging women to urge their partners. Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

FIVE TIPS // MOVING OUT OF HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME Nikola Jokanovic collects five tips from five students on moving out and living independently.

Considering the number of students that were asked on campus for tips, it seems a decent bunch of us are “still at home and can’t help with your article, sorry”. Luckily, five students fit the bill: Kane Campbell, Annabelle Sneddon, Amy Kilpatrick, Mitchell Keegan and Joshua Fellowes. They had a tip or two for us about their experience leaving the nest.

2. Borrow your parents’ stuff Moving into a new space means moving into a new, empty space; something that a first-timer might only remember after the fact. “I asked my parents if there was anything at home I could take with me. Like cutlery or plates, things which aren’t fun or cheap to buy,” Annabelle said.

4. Figure out the food situation Learning to cook will save you money and keep you healthy. You can get a packed fruit and vegetable crate from NUSA for $20, and Mitchell suggests the UON Sausage Watch Facebook page for whenever you’ve forgotten lunch on campus.

“Your plate is now stacked with new responsibilities, some of which will be due monthly.”

Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

1. Plan well Moving out is not as simple as jumping up and out the door, rucksack in tow. The timing, planning and balance between things like location, rent, roommates, fees, funds and so on needs to be ‘just right’. “You should only move when you’re ready and have planned it well,” Kane said. “Otherwise it really can go bad.”

3. Budget both time and money Your plate is now stacked with new responsibilities, some of which will be due monthly. Amy recommends organising your time and money carefully between things like chores, cooking, cleaning, bills and groceries. Save time by catching up on podcasts while you cook, or getting teary over assignments while you do the dishes.

5. Celebrate your independence There’s a light side to all this scariness about responsibility and independence; you can do it however you want! Now there’s no one to tell Joshua that he can’t stay up watching the football all night.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

FLYING THE COOP: A GUIDE TO STUDENT LIVING Moving out of home? Monique Smith chats with some student residents to find out everything you need to know about living on or off campus.

Living away from home can give you a wonderful sense of independence, but it’s not always easy to adjust. Independence is something most people need in their lives and is often tied with the notion of becoming an adult. However, people often do not feel truly independent until they move out of home and start looking after themselves. Moving out sounds so great, right? After all, no one can tell you when you should go to sleep, or when to turn the TV off. It isn’t always easy, especially if you’re also juggling study and work. Your responsibilities increase considerably with things like rent and laundry to worry about. Like anything in life, moving out of home comes with a big list of pros and cons to consider. Independence is arguably the biggest advantage of leaving the nest, but there are many other things to consider. “Living on your own is an amazing experience that gets you out of your comfort zone and gives you opportunities to meet new people. Homesickness will happen but it can be overcome,” Andie Poetschka said. Andie is a full-time student at UON, who lives on Callaghan campus in Barahineban. People often find that their relationship with their family strengthens with the time apart. However, for all the positives, there are some negatives that may make people reconsider their urge to ‘fly’ the coop.

“Independence is something most people need in their lives and is often tied with the notion of becoming an adult.” Whether you live on or off campus, it can be difficult for a student to save much money while they also pay for things like rent and groceries. Often, students find themselves really struggling to make ends meet, especially since most of them work causally or part-time. This only adds to the pressure they already feel while studying.

One can also become quite homesick, unless of course, you live in a share house, which can come with its own wonderful bundle of problems. If you do decide to live in a share house, keep in mind that you get very little to no say in who will be living with you. Full time student, Meighan Winchester, who lives off campus in a share house in Birmingham Gardens, said “you have to be respectful of everyone and get used to a sharing space with people that aren’t family”. “It also means doing your share of the housework and buying things like detergent.” Some students may feel hesitant to move away from home due to safety reasons. But for those choosing to live on campus at UON, there are various measures in place to keep students safe. This includes things like shuttle and mobility buses, which take students to and from their classes, 24/7 surveillance systems, and security services that are always patrolling the grounds. “In my three years of living at college, I’ve never felt unsafe or vulnerable,” Residential Mentor for Barahineban, Daniel Jagger, said. “But in any environment precautions should always be implemented.” Essentially, it is Daniel’s job to look after the students living in Barahineban and to make sure they have access to all necessary information, as well as be someone to talk to in times of need. Student RM’s are another example of the safety and support measures in place for students living on campus. At the end of the day, living away from home is an amazing experience that is both wonderful and terrifying. It will leave you with a lifetime of memories and a sense of independence that will carry on with you through life. If you’re looking to move on or off campus, visit UON Student Living, or off-campus accommodation services at: newcastle. edu.au/current-students/campus-environment/campus-life/ accommodation. Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

Creative writing THE BIG APPLE AND ME By Monique Smith A year ago, I moved from a small town in Kansas to New York, and the change was a dramatic one. I used to live in a place where everybody knew their neighbour and now I don’t even know the names of half the people in my building. My parents were completely against the idea of the move, doing everything they could to convince me to remain in Kansas and work as a writer there. But, I was adamant that if I was going to be successful, I needed to be in New York. So, once I graduated from college, I packed my bags and moved away from everyone and everything I loved, to the Big Apple. The experience has been both wonderful and horrible. At first, I hated everything about the City, much to my disappointment and I discovered that finding a job wasn’t half as easy as I’d hoped. Rent in New York was so expensive, and until I found a steady paying job, I couldn’t afford much more than a tiny one bedroom apartment with peeling wall paint and a bathroom hardly wide enough for one person to move around in. The city was too loud and smelt terrible. Everything was incredibly expensive. Traffic was a disaster. It was safe to say I missed the peace and quiet of Kansas, but I refused to give up. 13

One night, I came home late to find someone had picked the lock on my door and stolen my TV, laptop and even the little bit of cash I had hidden in my sock draw. I was devastated and officially at breaking point. It wasn’t even the stolen property that undid me, it was the feeling of utter failure and disappointment that drove me to call my mother and tell her I would be home within the week. The next three days were spent in a state of melancholy as I packed my bags and prepared myself for the inevitable. In the middle of folding my sweaters, my phone lit up with a call. I was shocked when the person on the other end introduced themselves as an Editor for one of the magazines I had applied for. I was even more shocked when she offered me an interview. All packing was postponed until I went to the interview. And when I received a call back two weeks later, telling me I had gotten the job, packing was abandoned altogether. It was the first stroke of good luck I’d had since moving to the city. From there, things only went up. To this day, I still can’t believe how quickly things turned around. I had been at the point of completely giving up. Now, I have a job I love, an adorable puppy named Dot, a group of friends from work, and an unexpected love of New York that only grows by the day.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

A CONVERSATION By Monique Aganovic

The woman ambled through the park, brushing the leaves of the trees as she went. This was always her last stop. She would drive through the whole city, visiting every street, reliving every memory she had there, all the good and all the bad. The park was always her last stop though. She didn’t know why, it just felt good to be there, to feel the bristles of the shrubs and smell the fresh air; a sweet reprieve from the stench of the city. She loved to watch the colours of the sky shift and change, from her favourite seat. She would watch the purples and pinks weave through the dying sunlight, it was like nature’s very own feature film just for her. She never stays at the park long, just enough to leave her wanting more. She knows she couldn’t stay too long past dusk. If she missed the school run, it wouldn’t take long for people to start calling. So today, she made her way to her favourite spot, hoping to take in a quick five o’clock show. Today, however, a little girl was perched on the seat, legs drawn to her chest. The woman paused. The girl was very young only five or six and her cheeks were stained with dry tears. The woman walked over slowly and sat down beside the girl. “Are you alright, little one? Where are your parents?” The girl glanced at the woman cautiously before swallowing the lump in her throat. “I ran away from home,” she whispered back. The woman nodded with understanding. She watched as the girl picked at her nails nervously and began to quietly cry. “That’s okay, I’ve run away from home too.” The girl arched her eyebrow and her jaw dropped. “Really? You did?” she asked. The woman nodded. “It’s true. I do it a lot.” The girl frowned at this. “I even packed a suitcase.” A flicker of guilt ran through her. The girl nodded and pointed to the ground to her small bag. “I packed a backpack too,” she said. The woman glanced up at the sky in thought. The two sat in silence as the sunset wore on. As the sky faded to black, the girl said quietly, “I don’t really want to run away.” The woman let out a dry laugh. “Honestly, neither do I.” And the two sat for a little while longer, cherishing their final moments alone.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

SHIFT

By Gunnaina Kohli.

Last sleep Room stacked in boxes Family, packed lunched, prayers, celebrations, home Soon, there will be none Suitcase, stacked, boxed Untouched teddy bear suddenly feels like gold Painting she made, perfume he gifted, cushion with my name Drive off Hands waving I assume They turn around; go inside I am independent now

The road is long I break for a coffee, fear replaces excitement Warm hands with coffee Warm face with tears So, does this mean I can’t go back? I can’t dwell On my old room? Wipe my face – no, no and no I can ask for help Because I am brave I can go back Because Independence doesn’t mean Detach, alone, selfish It means I am enough But they are always there

Yak Magazine // May 2017

A LETTER TO MY CHILDREN ON INDEPENDENCY By Rob Prosser

Dear Thomas (7) and William (5), I wanted to write and tell you both how each day you astound me with your resilience and approach to all the funny problems and incidents that happen in our family and lives. Thomas, do you remember when you won your public speaking competition at school? You were so nervous before you spoke in the final. We spent time together beforehand discussing how to conquer our anxieties and we agreed that sometimes these feelings can stop us from participating in life to the fullest. When you strode onto the stage with confidence, a tear rolled down my cheek because I saw the boy I had nurtured and encouraged for so long, take a huge step into the unknown and took on a challenge that some of your friends were too afraid to attempt. When they called your name out to collect the winning prize, I was so happy. Do you remember how we spent the next few days looking at your trophy that you placed on your bedside table, and how you could barely lift it when you tried to walk around with it? You were fascinated that your name was engraved on it – as indelible proof of your achievement. I hope you continue to learn and develop these strong social skills that we are imparting in you, so you will be a confident leader, even in adversity. I hope when I have finished my university studies, it will go some way to showing you the positive outcomes we get from pushing ourselves to achieve everything we want to do in our lives, and that any problems we encounter can be overcome by working together with humility and kindness. And William, how you’ve changed in the last six months! You have proved us so wrong with your first two months of kindergarten. Mum and I both spent so much time deliberating whether to send you to school this year. We both thought you were not ready and, emotionally, would not be able to cope. But through hard work, you have showed us how wrong we were, and how strong and adaptable you really are. Well done, William! I am so proud every time I collect you from your classroom and you entertain me with your stories of what you did that day. When you hold my hand, and ask me to see your work and your classroom, I am reminded of how much you are independently growing through other social encounters and not just from us. Your sense of humour never fails to entertain; do you remember when you made that chicken nugget machine in the Lego building competition that you wanted to enter? You didn’t notice the organisers and the other parents smile when you announced to the audience what you had made. You prove yourself every day of the unique and creative person you are becoming, when you display your competitiveness and desire to keep up with your older brother. It means so much to me to see you making confident progress and seeing your personality grow. Both of you keep being the independent learners you are. And remember, as a parent, I can’t give you all the answers, but I promise to always try to give you the opportunities and encouragement that you need and want – no matter what the sacrifices I may have to make. Love, Dad

Yak Magazine // May 2017

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Yak Magazine // May 2017

Illustrated by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

BREAKING THE CEILING:

ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE FOR WOMEN Sophie Austin investigates women’s presence in economics and why the gender pay gap still clocks in at 16 percent nationwide.

Women are an important part of every Australian’s life. They can fix our cars, can make us food, run businesses, build roads, and more. Your mum may defend people in court, your sister may drive buses, or your friend Sue might be everyone’s favourite chef. But what if you were told these women were underpaid? It’s not as ludicrous as one might think. In fact, Australia still functions economically with a spacious pay gap between its male and female employees. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s (WGEA) most recent report sets the difference as wide as 16 percent. The gender pay gap has stuck in the system thanks to an uncomfortable bias surrounding women at work. This social 19

outlook has been defined by the WGEA as a “stereotype”, and segregates the “work women and men ‘should’ do, and the way women and men ‘should’ engage in the workforce”. In layman’s terms, mum should be a nurse, and dad should be a managing CEO. It’s this mindset that wedges the gender pay gap and ensures Australian women come home with less cash in their pocket. What does this mean for women in economics? Indigo Ryan and Arleen Wilcox gave us insight into what it’s like to be a woman in the workforce, how the pay gap affects them, and what Australia can do to shorten it.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

Who run the world? Beyoncé said it best. The presence of female leaders in the economic industry is no myth, it’s an understatement. Like Xanax CEO, Ursula Burns, COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg and even Australia’s home grown Elle Macpherson, founder of WelleCo. It’s easy to encounter women who are outstanding in their area, whether it be behind a desk, in front of a camera, or under the hood of a car. Yet, it is not uncommon for women to be regarded as ‘bossy’ when they assert their power or status, or ‘snooty’ when they take control of their day to day tasks. Women in leadership positions are especially susceptible to this stigma, which stems from an outdated hostility towards women in the workplace.

“It doesn’t fairly or accurately represent the skills or contribution of females. It also perpetuates a level of power imbalance between genders.” Women’s rights advocate and Media/International Studies student at UNSW, Arleen Wilcox, finds it “so weird” the world works this way. “Women are usually described differently to men when they show confidence, stand up for themselves, or assert authority,” she said. “It definitely comes from the antiquated view that women have to be quiet and not challenge men.” However, Arleen said these attitudes are slowly changing and that “women are fighting back these sexist micro aggressions, and have learnt to identify when they are happening”. So, where’s the money? It’s undeniable that we’re steadily stapling up the gap between gender pay differences, but women are hardly rolling in fat stacks and making it rain $50 bills. One of the broadest pay gaps can be found in the legal industry, sitting at 35.6 percent for full time employees, according to WGEA in 2014. This is despite the undeniable female presence within the profession. Co-vice president of the University of Newcastle Law Student’s Association (UNLSA) and current paralegal, Indigo Ryan, gave us an inside look into her field and study. “Women are the majority of students, and are also making up a fairly representative portion of younger lawyers,” she said. “The issue looking forward to my career, however, is a lack of representation of women in senior management and up. “Out of eight legal practitioners in the office, five are women, and there are an additional four female support staff. The managing partner is a male, but our only special counsel is a female.”

Indigo suggests that the lack of women in management positions can be at fault for the salary gap. “In addition, a very small percentage of barristers are women,” she said. “I think that the general status quo that covers all industries that makes discussing salaries taboo may be to blame for this.” “It doesn’t fairly or accurately represent the skills or contribution of females. It also perpetuates a level of power imbalance between genders.” Kiss that pay gap goodbye Although the future looks dim, it isn’t time to give up. In accordance to the Getting to Equal report, developed countries could see the gap close in 2044, and 2066 for developing countries. This cuts the previously estimated expectation by almost half. Indigo has high hopes that the legal industry will follow suit. “From my perspective, the future is bright,” she said. “If increasing numbers of women continue to enter the legal profession, and companies become more cognisant and active on the matter of gender diversity, representation will continue to improve.” Our Icelandic neighbours can already see the light at the end of the tunnel. Iceland has become the first country lawfully requiring companies to have a “pay equality certification”. The government has predicted they will annihilate the pay gap by 2022. Switzerland has a similar scheme in place, but where is Australia’s? The glass ceiling – AKA, the invisible barrier holding back economic independence for women – needs to be broken. As you read, plans are already being set in motion. “My firm is also very cognisant of the fact that some companies in the US are now withholding percentages of fees from firms who do not meet gender diversity benchmarks,” Indigo said, “While this hasn’t happened in Australia yet, it’s a great impetus to get Australian firms serious about addressing these issues.” Arleen also assures that a cultural change needs to be made, alongside a physical one. “Just like with every other sexismingrained problem in society right now, there needs to be a shift in culture and ways of thinking,” she said. “We need to directly address the needs of women in the work force and take their complaints seriously, as well as encourage more women to be involved in STEM fields just like men are.” National Equal Pay Day is also a great way to show support for your friends, family, and women who are fighting for a righteous economy. Visit equalpayday.com.au/about for more information and how you get involved.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

LOUD LABOUR OF LOVE:

INDEPENDENT MUSIC AND THE DIY ETHIC Nikola Jokanovic talks to Pasha Bulka vocalist, Lewis Armstrong, about the good and bad of independent musicianship.

Photo courtesy of Kingdom Design

The live independent music scene in Newcastle is one of surprising, sonic diversity. On any given weekend night, you’ll hear it; the obscure synthetic zaps of an electronic artist giving way to the energy of a punk band, all in preparation for a headliner of an entirely different tonal territory. The uniting factor is always a commitment to the DIY ethic, of wishing for nothing more than your music to be ‘out there’. Melodic hardcore band, Pasha Bulka, are a staple; almost a fixture in and of themselves at many local venues in Newcastle and along the coast. Vocalist, Lewis Armstrong, has simply lost count of the number of shows they’ve played in their five years, though he estimates a fair few hundred.

organised, saw them dash from the Sunshine Coast to Melbourne and back, in just over a week. DIY sensibility is at the heart of independent music in Newcastle and elsewhere. Musicians will often record and release their own music, design their own posters and print their own t-shirts. Lewis can recall several times when venue plans have fallen through, leaving them to improvise with performances in living rooms and backyard tin sheds. “One of our first shows was just at a house the organiser called the ‘Ghetto Shack’,” Lewis said. All he gave us was an address. We’ve played some really rough shows, but those stand out as some of the best.”

“Musicians will often record and release their own music, design their own posters and print their own t-shirts.” “It started as a high school project, we never thought it’d turn into anything this big,” Lewis said. “We used to just mess around in music class, until our drummer put us on a show when we’d barely written any songs.” Lewis had a picture of the Pasha Bulker up on his bedroom wall, and the rest is history. Five years on, the band Pasha Bulka are a leading force in the Australian, independent music scene. Their most recent tour, largely self-funded and Designed by: Jackie Brock

Unfortunately, taking the independent route as a band can present some major difficulties. While some are lucky enough to achieve financial escape velocity, the vast majority of independent musicians are lucky to break even. What may be even worse is the recent trend of venue closures in Newcastle. Many iconic smaller venues such as the Loft, Whites Records and the Racket Club have either shut down or stopped putting

on shows as of late. Drone Newcastle, the latest incarnation of a Hunter Street venue that had previously opened and closed twice before, also shut their doors in November 2016. “Now, there aren’t really any spaces,” Lewis said. “There are people hungry to see and play shows, but no venues for them. It’s getting difficult to get out and see shows, whereas in 2012, it was super easy. It’s a dying thing, sadly.” Pasha Bulka have been feeling some of the strain. Lewis notes that their latest release, the three-track EP ‘Defeat’, is suitably titled considering its difficult and long-winded recording process. “A whole heap of unfortunate circumstances kept us from recording. We’re on a little mini-hiatus right now so we can come back later this year a bit keener on it.” Despite setbacks, both Pasha Bulka and other independent musicians remain passionate about their work. Lewis said that social media and online music platforms like Bandcamp have allowed their music to reach a potentially global audience. “People as far as Canada and Russia have messaged (the band) saying that certain songs had an impact on them. It’s difficult, too, but getting feedback like that makes it so rewarding.”

Yak Magazine // May 2017

“I CAN DO IT”: BUILDING STUDENT INDEPENDENCE Angelique Carr and student, Roszarie Behrens, talk about some of the challenges to maintaining independence when one has special needs.

Mature age student, Roszarie Behrens, received the 2016 Shaping Futures Scholarship at UON. She used the money to buy a new set of hearing aids that came with Bluetooth adaptors, which could be used to tune into her phone, TV or laptop. They replaced her old ones that couldn’t even connect to the University’s T Loop system. “I would have dared to say that I was independent before I got hearing aids,” Roszarie said. “I thought I could do what I want, when I want, but after I got hearing aids, I realised how dependent I really was on the people around me.” Roszarie is profoundly deaf, and without hearing aids, the most she can hear is basic sounds that she strings together from context and tone, to figure out words and infer meaning. This was incredibly isolating for her.

I realised how much I had missed out not being able to hear other people.” Roszarie said if she didn’t have anyone with her, she simply did not go out. “Another thing too is that I never made phone calls, I just shied away from the phone. I think the easiest coping mechanism before was simply to ignore stuff, and not engage.” And when it comes to classes, Roszarie is finding that she’s not apologising for things all the time, saying things like “sorry, I’m deaf, I didn’t hear that”, or “what did you say?” That’s made a big difference for her. “I’m really on top of my studies. I thought I was last year, but now I can hear what’s going on,” Roszarie said.

“I thought I could do what I want, when I want, but after I got hearing aids, I realised how dependent I really was on the people around me.” “I couldn’t go shopping without my daughter because people would talk to me and I needed [her] to answer for me,” she said.

“Before I went to classes, I had to make sure I had done all the homework and all the readings. I was working hard before I even got to class. That was just so I could understand what was going on [in class].”

“Same with going to restaurants. Other people would have to order for me because I didn’t know what the waitress said. I’m a social leper and I thought it was because I just don’t like people, but

Her determination to focus was bolstered by supportive lecturers and tutors, who took time out to clarify anything she missed. Their support offset negative experiences she encountered.

Roszarie was often told that she wasn’t ‘deaf enough’, even during tutorials. People acted as if she was trying to gain sympathy by telling others about her deafness. “There’s a high level of intolerance from some people in the community,” she said. Roszarie even believed this herself. It took her years to get hearing aids because she was coping so well without them. “I am so deaf. I thought people were being a little bit condescending when they told me I’d done really well to get this far, and now I realise, they were right. I have had to give myself permission to think and say that to myself. I think a lot of people who are deaf would pass it off as ‘it’s alright, because I’m coping’.” And what surprised Roszarie the most after getting the hearing aids? “You know when people say stupid things in public? It’s a big surprise to me. I’ve had to get used to not stopping and staring at them!” If you are seeking practical assistance and advice regarding a permanent or temporary disability, or medical condition, you can contact the Disability Support service on 4921 6622 or go to newcastle. edu.au/current-students/support/ disability-support.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

A DAY IN THE LIFE // THE CHARITABLE STUDENT As students, it can be a challenge to balance our university schedule with work and social activities. Often the ‘positive karma’ you can get from doing volunteer work slips through the cracks, but sometimes it can hit home that we desperately need a boost to our resumes.

Currently, Marissa and the Rotaract Club of the Hunter are working on an event to support Cows for Cambodia, a charity run by an Australian that aims to break the poverty cycle in Cambodia. A cow provides a local Cambodian family with a stable income, but the majority cannot afford one.

“Marissa and the Rotaract Club of the Hunter are working on an event to support Cows for Cambodia, a charity run by an Australian that aims to break the poverty cycle in Cambodia.” Lucky for you then, the Rotaract Club of the Hunter offers good vibes and will take minimal time out of your busy uni life.

Rotaract is a global organisation that seeks to empower students and young professionals to create positive change in their local communities and around the world. The Rotaract Club of the Hunter is working to assist its members in becoming the business and professional leaders of tomorrow.

The charity provides a pregnant cow to families who look after it, learning the skills required to care for a cow in a supported environment. The family then keeps the baby calf once it is born and the original cow is passed onto the next family. Marissa heard of this initiative after travelling to Cambodia and thought it would be an interesting charity for the Rotaract Club of the Hunter to support.

The Rotaract Club of the Hunter is part of a worldwide organisation of 210,000 individuals in 9,100 clubs, covering 170 countries.

“We chose to support this charity because it aims to directly break the poverty cycle as opposed to just providing monetary support,” she said.

And at the helm of creating this positive change is Marissa Patel, a UON Bachelor of Physiotherapy student, and President of the Rotaract Club of the Hunter.

“I’m very excited for our Club to be involved and helping such a cool initiative.” The Rotaract Club of the Hunter is currently in the process of organising a trivia night to support Cows for Cambodia, to be held on Saturday, June 17.

“Being President is actually a lot of fun,” she said. “My role essentially involves overseeing all club happenings and making sure that we maintain a positive experience for members. I get to do all this with a great group of people who have come to be my Rotaract family.”

“Our main aim is to raise $5,000 to ‘buy’ six cows,” Marissa said. “I’d also like to raise awareness for Cows for Cambodia, because it’s not often that you come across a charity where 100 percent of

Sian Brown, Immediate Past President handing over the role to Marissa Patel.

profits go directly to the project, and instantly change the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.” Marissa thinks that getting involved with community projects has the potential to make changes to society on a local and a global scale. Being a part of the Rotaract Club of the Hunter has helped shape her as a person. “I know from personal experience that life can get pretty busy juggling uni, work and a social life, but we can all do our part – small or large – to advocate for a better community. “That’s the beauty of teamwork. If everyone makes an effort, the outcomes can be really influential.” If you are interested in participating in the Rotaract Club of the Hunters trivia night, or you want to get involved with the Club, keep up to date on their planning progress on their Facebook page at: facebook. com/Hunter.Rotaract/.

Photos courtesy of Shantelle Lindsay Designed by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

STUDY SNAPSHOT // STANDING UP FOR YOUTH With media continuing to portray today’s youth as sub-par, Kieran Resevsky chats to Dr Steven Threadgold about how he challenges these ideas with strong research.

“There is a large media discourse about the youth decline, though I think today’s youth are dealing with things pretty well.”

Photo courtesy of Steven Threadgold

While the youth of today are somewhat acclimatised to being told they’re lazy, entitled and disrespectful, one researcher at UON is challenging these all-too-common allegations with some strong new research. Senior Lecturer for the School of Humanities and Social Science, Dr Steven Threadgold, began his study at UON in 1999 with hopes to become a music journalist. He soon discovered he enjoyed sociology, completed Honours, and was awarded a PhD scholarship. He has been working at UON since 2004, and was offered a full-time role in 2010 where he continues working passionately as a youth sociologist. Threadgold believes that the youth of today aren’t doing as bad as mainstream media would have you think. “There is a large media discourse about the youth decline, though I think today’s youth are dealing with things pretty well from what I can see,” he said. Threadgold is currently in the process of finalising his own book, which he believes is his greatest achievement to date. Youth, Class, and Everyday Struggles, will be released late 2017 and is basically an analysis of today’s youth.

“We are looking at the implications this has on society and labor markets; to shed a light on wider social and economic things going on.” The book will use two case studies to present the research, one of which includes looking at punk subcultures and how certain creatives live in a world that tries to make them have rational jobs and lead rational lives. While another case study will look at how the media delineates class without ever mentioning it, using labels such as ‘hipster’ and ‘bogan’.

“Class is denied in mainstream media and politics, but it is something that certainly exists in people’s lives,” Threadgold said. “Class is always going to be important, particularly as inequality gets worse. The bottom 20 percent own about one percent of the wealth, while the top 20 percent own 60 percent of the wealth. The gap is widening. If there is a class war, the rich are definitely winning.” Threadgold is currently working on a project with two other researchers, looking at youth sociology in the service industry – an industry where many of today’s youth are employed. “We know young people work in the service industry, and we are looking at a qualitative study into what they’re doing there,” he said. “Youth are attracted to work in bars because it is something that is close to their personal taste, and a place they would go in their own leisure time. When they experience snobs, harassment or low pay, they feel ‘ripped off’.” Although there is pleasure in their work, they’re also prone to experience exploitation too, he said. “We are looking at the implications this has on society and labor markets; to shed a light on wider social and economic things going on.” Looking to the future, Threadgold will continue research projects in the youth sociology field, with his next one focusing on online taste communities and class cultures. While the mainstream media continues to portray today’s youth as sub-par, Threadgold should be commended for challenging these ideas with strong research about their real lives.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

MASS DEBATE // SHOULD AUSTRALIA BECOME AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY? Yes, Alex Coburn

No, Nick Smit

Australia should be a republic. Cut the apron strings to the “mother country” and stand on our own two feet. Simple as that. The idea that the Prime Minister or the Governor-General could write away to merry old England, and seek the Queen’s twocents’ worth on a political decision, is archaic and completely at odds with Australia’s place in the world as a sovereign democracy. We’re not a colony anymore and we’d do well to acknowledge that.

What strikes me about the Australian Republican movement is that it feels less about independence than it does about isolationism. We already have independence in the ways that matter. From 1975 onwards, the Governor-General has been an Australian citizen appointed on advice of the Australian Parliament. The Crown has as much say in what goes into our laws as it has in what goes into law in the UK: essentially none.

This, of course, should not reflect on the royal family who have discharged their duties with great dignity and selflessness. The Queen has dedicated her life to public service and she deserves all the credit she receives. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t be old mates with the old country, just as America is with their “special relationship”, nor does it mean we can’t still admire the royals. It simply means that they are treated as very welcome guests from abroad. Another issue with the modernised monarchy is our ‘cluckiness’ for a royal baby or our sycophantic cooing over a royal visit. Should something like our system of government really be the plaything of magazines and the paparazzi? Is it appropriate to – and this is what I suspect it boils down to – hope to catch a glimpse of our social betters? 25

“We are patriotic Australians and we should have the opportunity to elect one of our own to the highest office in the land.” At the end of the day, the republic isn’t a life changing issue. It’s not some lefty cause that should be forgotten about until the older generation dies off. It’s worth achieving because it’s key to Australia’s self-perception. We are patriotic Australians and we should have the opportunity to elect one of our own to the highest office in the land. In continuing the monarchy – and I acknowledge its stability – what we are really doing is placing our trust in the royals churning out a suitable baby and saying that we’re really Englishmen in disguise.

But this isn’t simply using ‘find and replace’ on our Constitution to swap out “Constitutional Monarchy” for “Republic”. Our version of the Westminster system would have to be pretty much knocked down in its entirety, and there doesn’t seem to have been much thought given to the form this new government would take at all.

“Jumping at ‘republic’ without laying down a comprehensive plan of what that looks like is diving into the ocean because you don’t like the boat you’re on now.” Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden are countries that perform highly in international education, health, and public happiness rankings. They are all constitutional monarchies. Meanwhile the most prominent example of ‘republic’, the United States, is ranked 37th in health, 17th in education, and has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Not the best role model. Jumping at ‘republic’ without laying down a comprehensive plan of what that looks like is diving into the ocean because you don’t like the boat you’re on now. And that’s without mentioning the benefits Australians lose in this change. Our membership in the Commonwealth gives us the Commonwealth Games (the ones we get to win), the Ashes (the other ones we get to win), and a significant buffer to our economy. Decoupling the Australian dollar from the Commonwealth will see it crash like the Pound after Brexit. But the most important boon on the chopping block is freedom of movement. Several visas, including the Youth Mobility Visa, allows citizens of the Commonwealth to live and work with relative ease in the UK with similar agreements the other way. This can only be seen a good for citizens of the world, and something we’re going to see less of following this trend of ‘independence’ by closing relations.

Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

IS TEACHING YOURSELF, TREATING YOURSELF? Is independent learning the best method for students to retain information? Angelique Carr investigates.

You never stop learning. Therefore, advocates of independent learning often point out that learning how to learn sets students up with a lifelong skill. By overseeing their own learning, students must practise skills such as time management, initiative and self-motivation, daily. Without a teacher to lean on, students use and develop problem solving skills they wouldn’t otherwise. Technology is the key to enabling independent and distance learning. With services like Skype and Blackboard, students can get real time feedback and access course materials anywhere. But how much can you really learn without a teacher in the same room? In 2011, the One Laptop Per Child Organisation decided to perform an experiment. They found two isolated villages in Ethiopia, where they were sure that the school-aged children there had never heard or seen any English words, and left boxes in the middle of the night. They were full of tablets with solar chargers, preloaded with educational apps. Within five minutes of finding the boxes, one child had opened one and turned it on. In the first week, the kids were using an average of 49 apps every day. Two weeks later, they were singing their ABCs. Within five months they had ‘hacked’ the tablets, customising each one. Even without a teacher, these kids had learned a language no one around them spoke and had honed more technical skills than most adults have. It is a great example of how technology can facilitate distance education. Closer to home, mature age and working students often choose independent learning because of the flexible hours it allows. We spoke to aged care nurse, Cassie Macdonald, who is studying to become an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse (EEN) through Sydney TAFE. Her course is hybrid, with one practical lesson per week and all the theory online.

Cassie finds that the hardest part of independent study is “finding the motivation to do all the studying and assignments yourself”. For her, there is no one pushing her to do things on time that need to be done. “Procrastination is horrible,” she said. However, independent learning certainly has its perks. “You get to learn things your own way and create your own methods of learning,” Cassie said. “A bit of both [independent and face-to-face learning] is best, so you still have a teacher you can see face to face and let you know how your progress is going. If you do it completely online, you may not completely understand everything.”

“By overseeing their own learning, students must practise skills such as time management, initiative and self-motivation, daily.” Cassie finds that the best strategy to keep on top of everything is to remind herself of why she wanted to be a nurse in the first place. “Knowing that this is the job I’ve wanted to do, since I was a kid, gives me the motivation to keep going with it. And furthering my study furthers my career.” Even though studying by distance education seems like it would leave a lot more downtime, it’s just not the case. “I have no life outside of work and study,” Cassie said. Tertiary study is a big commitment whether you’re with a teacher or you’re in front of a computer. We all learn in different ways and have different lifestyles and commitments. At the end of the day, it’s important to choose the style of education that works the best for you.

Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

INSIDE THE WORLD OF MICRONATION Jack Moran looks at the phenomena of people who take independence one step further by starting their own micronations.

Ever been dissatisfied with the political climate of Australia? Fancy yourself a benevolent eccentric with a flair for both the dramatic and for international relations? Have a piece of land that’s incredibly large and/or territorially ambiguous?

Sea Islands. Founded in 2004, the Kingdom was formed on uninhabited islands in the Great Barrier Reef, largely as a protest against discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ people both in Australia and more globally.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then micronations might be for you.

“A micronation is essentially defined as a government

A micronation is essentially defined as a government that claims it is a separate nation, despite being ignored by most other ‘real’ nations. They’re largely categorised by their triviality in that they’re serious enough to be persistent and long term, but meaningless enough to be left to their own devices by the governments they see themselves as foreign to.

that claims it is a separate nation, despite being ignored by most other ‘real’ nations.”

Unlike other secession movements, such as the movement for a free Tibet, micronations generally don’t result in armed conflict (with some exceptions) and are seen as less legitimate.

According to the Kingdom’s website, it was also partially formed to give “gay people a voice in the United Nations” and to provide a “legal platform to bring rich and powerful nations such as America before the International Court of Justice”, for discrimination against the LGBTIQ people who live and work within their borders. They also declared war on Australia in 2004 over our country’s refusal to grant same-sex marriages.

There are many motivations for why someone might want to form their own micronation. Some micronations are a protest movement, such as the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral

Other micronations are formed as experiments, such as Wirtland. On their website, Wirtland describes itself as “the world’s first internet-based sovereign country” and as such, the country has

Yak Magazine // May 2017

no territory anywhere in the world. Wirtland sees itself as an experiment in national identity in a world where globalisation and modern international relations has profoundly shifted the concept.

Australia, as it turns out, has many micronations beyond just the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands. One of the most famous, and certainly the largest, is the Hutt River Province in Western Australia.

Wirtland seeks to be a country that transcends national borders without breaching the sovereignty of pre-existing states. To become a citizen of Wirtland, or “witizen” as they call it, all you need to do is fill in the application form on their website.

The Hutt River Province was founded in 1970 by Prince Leonard Casley due to disagreements he had with the state government over wheat production quotas. The Hutt River Province is situated on Prince Leonard’s family farm, which happens to be larger than some small nations at 75 square-kilometres.

For other micronations, it’s harder to determine why they came into being and some seem to have been created just because they could. An example of this is one of the most infamous micronations, The Principality of Sealand. Sealand was founded in 1975 on Roughs Tower, a 4,000 square-metre platform about 12 kilometres off the coast of England, which was used for anti-aircraft weapons in World War II. The first leader of Sealand was Paddy Roy Bates, or Prince Roy as he styled himself, who claimed the international waters platform as his own nation while he was living there to set up a pirate radio station. Sealand is also one of the few micronations to get violent. In 1968, when workers passed by Sealand to service a British navigational buoy, they were fired upon by Sealanders to scare them away from the territory. Even more outrageously, in 1978, the platform was attacked by a self-styled Sealand Prime Minister and his team of mercenaries to take control of the country. The mercenaries took Prince Roy’s son Michael hostage, but he was able to fight off the mercenaries and the coup, using weapons hidden around the platform.

The Province’s main exports are stamps, coins, agriculture and wildflowers as well as having a booming tourism industry. The Western Australian and the Federal government have repeatedly dismissed the Province’s sovereignty, but Prince Leonard did receive a letter from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016, wishing him well on the anniversary of their secession. Micronations can be powerful political protests and experiments in nationhood, but they can also be just a weirdly interesting phenomenon. While new nations have formed in the last decade, such as South Sudan gaining sovereignty in 2011, for us in Australia who don’t see self-determination of nationality on such a scale, micronations can be something of a fascinating oddity. With the world rapidly changing geopolitically, and the possibility of space exploration and inhabitation drawing ever closer, the micronation might be something we see more of in the future as people seek to carve out their own politics, identity and nationalism that is independent to the ideologies of their states. 28

Since then, Sealand has attracted interest from sites like The Pirate Bay, looking for territories with laxer copyright laws to operate from. Prince Roy died in 2012 at the age of 91, but was succeeded by his son.

Design and photography by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

MILILENNIALS CAUGHT IN THE ‘PERFECT STORM’ Gunnaina Kohli thinks being an adult today isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

You’re on your own, paying your own rent, working two jobs and studying, all the while struggling to adjust to true adulthood – what we call the ‘perfect storm’. The world we live in today, the world millennials were born into, is vastly different than what it was 20 years ago. The rise of technology and the pressure to be connected all the time affects every aspect of our lives today. How we work, live, communicate and ‘adult’ has changed dramatically. Mother, wife and Bachelor of Medical Science student at UON, Nicole Payne, said both financial and time constraints are aplenty. There has never been the need to be more organised for Nicole, who gets up at 4am to study, before the family wakes up. Luckily, Nicole has worked out how to keep her mental health in check. “During semester breaks, I make sure I spend a few days with my family and don’t study at all,” she said. Student counselling services, doctors and Australian Health guidelines all recommend at least two and a half hours of exercise per week to keep physically and mentally healthy. However, despite admitting to it making her feel better, Nicole’s exercise habits have been put on hold so she can spend more time with family.

Mature age students, especially those with families, can struggle the most financially. As a mother, Nicole said there are difficulties in managing a family when relying solely on Centrelink as a full-time student. However, for all university students, time is limited if you work to support yourselves. And with Centrelink debating cuts to Youth Allowance and changing policies, the pressure is heightened.

“The average age for settling down or starting a family has increased; possibly the result of more time spent finding one’s own economic security.” Especially significant for those working in retail and hospitality, the government’s cut of penalty rates means a decrease in wages, leading to an increased need to work to support oneself and less time spent studying. More than the money, the financial pressure and its effects on mental health is detrimental. Furthermore, the decrease in subsidisation from the government for students’ HECS-HELP loan, and the lowering of the threshold after which the government will start deducting the debt from our pay, are policies with many disadvantages for current and future students.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

Students search for experience, which is hard to receive when a full-time study load cannot be paired with a part time job. This drawback can interfere with study and social situations, particularly evident through the increase in mental illness rates over the past few years. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, since 2012, the average age for settling down or starting a family has increased; possibly the result of more time spent finding one’s own economic security. Most of us are at university to learn and be ready for the workforce when we graduate, which is increasingly competitive, especially as there are more graduates in otherwise specialised degrees. There is undoubtedly an increase in competition; new skills and technological ability are required, which of course takes time. When Nicole began studying again, she said she “had to relearn how to study”. Nicole didn’t use iPads, laptops or other mobile devices while in school – an additional hurdle before sitting down to learn at university. Her degree also requires her to be posted in numerous areas around NSW, straining family life, and she also admits that there are limited career options for her, because she needs something she “can manage with a family”. This is now, so what does this mean for future students, adults and their families? To add to the difficulties of increased ‘screen time’, this can lead to a detachment from ourselves, further health concerns, and an unrealistic expectation of relationships. These days, we’re finding it hard to disconnect because all our study notes are online.

“Especially significant for those working in retail and hospitality, the government’s cut of penalty rates means a decrease in wages, leading to an increased need to work to support oneself and less time spent studying.” Disability Support is open to anyone with a long-term disability, including mental health issues that may interfere with their coursework. Counselling Service are more than happy to help with organisational skills, and the Career’s Service is also skilled in guiding students with resumes and interview prep. Plus, a range of scholarships are available for financially and socially disadvantaged students at the University. Off-campus support includes regularly seeing your GP and organising time to keep study, social and exercise commitments in order. It can be a challenge ‘adulting’ nowadays, sure. But it isn’t necessarily all bad; that’s the beauty of being an adult. You get to decide how you want to live your life and if something isn’t working for you, you and only you, can change it. Contact any one of the below support services at UON if you are in need. Disability Support and Counselling Service can be contacted on 4921 6622, the Careers Service on 4921 5588, and the Medical Centre on 4921 6000 (Callaghan) or 4348 4060 (Ourimbah).

This endless connection, and the seemingly forced inability to disengage, can have its toll on us. Numerous journal articles outline the dangers of screen addiction and its effect on sleep and health, which can be overcome by screen down-time at least one hour before bed. Fortunately, there are a range of support services for UON students. Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

Yak Magazine // May 2017

THE RISE OF NICHE Making it ‘big’ might mean thinking ‘small’, Nick Smit writes.

Sharknado is a film franchise about cyclones launching sharks at people. Dark Souls is a video game about feeling underpowered. Hydraulic Press Channel is, well, a YouTube channel about crushing things with a hydraulic press. While it might not seem like these properties share anything at all, the one thing they do, is being niche. 31

Indeed, we are amidst the growth of ‘small’. Specialised, targeted, and niche content has risen to have as prominent a presence in the media industry as the phrase “wait, how is that making money?” In what seems to be the first step in discussing anything media-related nowadays, perhaps the place to look for the answer to this question is the Internet.

“Specialised, targeted, and niche content has risen to

This cornucopia of content dramatically deflates the risk of hosting something slightly risqué, as the profit needed to cover distribution costs has been drastically reduced. The cost of producing content has also changed in the digital age. While the big budgets of big budget films seem to get even bigger, it’s also true that the increasing ubiquity and lowering cost of digital production hardware and software has dropped the cost-floor for media production to, perhaps, unprecedented levels. And it’s coupling this with a dedicated fan base where this stuff gets really interesting. These changes have also affected how we consume media. The audience can no longer be found in one place, but instead, is broken up into an increasingly larger number of places in a phenomenon known as ‘audience fragmentation’.

the phrase ‘wait, how is that making money?’”

We no longer settle for the best of what’s on, but actively select the content we want based on our interests. The direct result of this shift in consumer behaviour is the economic viability of shows more specifically targeted to people’s interests.

Television broadcasting provides a solid example of where we’ve come from. Television can only host so many shows on so many channels, at so many time slots during the day, until it’s quite literally full. This meant that TV networks had to be extremely selective with their content.

And finally, with different viewing behaviour, comes different methods of profit. Where the common forms of revenue generation tended to be advertising or direct purchase, a myriad of options untenable before the digital revolution have opened in its wake.

Given the huge production and distribution costs associated with taking up each of their valuable time slots, the goal of a show was generally to cast a net over the largest possible audience. Thus, this meant producing a widely appealing show sometimes at the expense of producing a deeply appealing one.

Crowdfunding services like Kickstarter, neo-patronage movements like Patreon, and a movement over to subscription services like Netflix and YouTube Red allow consumers to directly contribute to the kinds of content they like, helping smaller ideas hit the sweet spot of revenue-to-expenditure to make them profitable.

have as prominent a presence in the media industry as

But the development of on-demand media platforms like YouTube, Netflix and Stan has made this far less of a necessity. Unlike TV’s limits of time, or a bookstore’s limits of shelf space, an online streaming service can have (theoretically) infinite storage space at a cost so low it might as well be considered non-existent. Designed & illustrated by Reid McManus

In an increasingly fractured media world, the secret to ‘going big’ might be looking for the little cracks.

Yak Magazine // May 2017

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES //

WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE What does an independent woman look like at UON? Sophie Austin spoke to the Women’s Collective to find out.

The month of May is all about independence here at Yak, and nothing says, “I’m independent!” more than the Women’s Collective at UON. The Collective can be best described as a safe environment for students identifying as women, trans or gender-diverse who are actively involved with the advocating of feminist rights on campus. We spoke to their Women’s Officer and Deputy Convenor, Lucinda Iacono, about what makes women independent and why the Collective is our very own caped crusader in disguise. “A lot of our work centres around pillars including intersexual feminism, sex positivity and how the university treats women on campus,” Lucinda said. “You can be as involved or uninvolved as you like. You can just engage with our Facebook posts, you can come to

“In NUSA and the Women’s Collective, there’s a really big focus on autonomy. You can’t have independence if you’re not letting autonomous groups speak for themselves.” our events or meetings, nominate for positions on board or nominate for positions on executive; all depends on how involved you want to be. “We run Girls Night Out at King Street, stalls for International Women’s Day, Equal Pay Day... a mix of social and advocacy events.” The independent woman isn’t just a poster-girl, either. In 2014, the Education Department reported 45,000 more female graduates than male, a 60-40 percent split between the genders. Women at UON are no exception, showcasing their

independence by being free, fun and fierce without the approval of men. “In NUSA and the Women’s Collective, there’s a big focus on autonomy,” Lucinda said. “You can’t have independence if you’re not letting autonomous groups speak for themselves.” To become a member of the Women’s Collective, visit the UON Women’s Collective Facebook page and give them a ‘Like’, or head to the NUSA building on campus to sign up. If you have any concerns regarding women’s safety or rights, contact women@nusa.org.au. Designed by: Jackie Brock

Yak Magazine // May 2017

Whats on? MAY

Yak Magazine // May 2017

MON 1.

TUES 2.

WED 3.

UON Band Comp, Bar on the Hill

THURS 4.

FRI 5.

SAT 6. The

Entrance Market, 9am2pm, Memorial Park Olive Tree Market, 9am3pm, Civic Park

SUN 7. Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie Coral Sea Memorial Service, The Entrance

Fairhaven Autumn Fayre, Gosford

Monday Movie, Derkenne Courtyard 8-12th May – Green Week

15.

9. Community Garden Gala Day, Community Garden

10.

UON Band Comp, Bar on the Hill

11.

12.

13. The Entrance Market, 9am2pm, Memorial Park

14.

16. Tanner Tuesday, Tanner Bar

17. Idahot Day, 11am-2pm, Central Coast campus

18.

UN Careers Expo, Great Hall

19.

20. The Entrance Market, 9am-2pm, Memorial Park

21. Central

25.

26. 26th May – 27. The En17th June trance Market, Vivid Sydney, 9am-2pm, Sydney Harbour Memorial Park

UON Band Comp, Bar on the Hill

22.

Monday Movie, Derkenne Courtyard

23.

24.

UON Band Comp Final, Bar on the Hill

22nd-26th May – Stress Less Week

29.

Shannon Noll, 7:3010:30pm, Bar on the Hill Port to Port Mountain Bike Event, Newcastle

30. Tanner Tuesday, Tanner Bar

Coast Heritage Day Car Show, Memorial Park, The Entrance

28.

Live on the Lawn, 4-9pm, Bar on the Hill

31. Nursing & Midwifery Careers Expo, The Forum

Design and photography by: Jackie Brock

Issue 41 // May 2017