HYDE issue 1 2019
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Victoria University Student Union and Hyde acknowledges the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Boonwurrung, Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) and Wathaurung (Wadawurrung) on our Melbourne campuses, and the Gadigal and Guring-gai people of the Eora Nation on our Sydney campus. These groups are the custodians of the University land and have been for many centuries. As we share our own knowledge practices within the University may we pay respect to the deep knowledge embedded within the Aboriginal community and their ownership of Country. We acknowledge that the land on which our campuses stand is the place of age old ceremonies and celebration, initiation and renewal. The Kulin and Eora people’s living culture had, and has, a unique role in the life of these regions. Victoria University supports the aim of Reconciliation Australia to build better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the benefit of all Australians. It is important that staff, students and visitors understand and respect the significance of recognising the traditional owners of University land.
THE HYDE TEAM Hello Readers! This year, the Hyde team will be working in conjunction with the Victoria University Student Union (VUSU) to provide you with beneficial content. We spent copious hours brainstorming on how we can create and publish an innovative and convenient magazine. This is it! Welcome to a redesigned and re-imagined Hyde Magazine. Our main purpose is to use this platform to get in touch with our readers and share the amazing talents of Victoria University students. Hyde is a great opportunity for potential writers and artists to share what they are very passionate about. Do not hesitate to reach out to us. We wish to see your astounding works on our next issue! On another note, we hope that you enjoy reading our very first issue for this year as it deals with topics such as Cultural Diversity and Mental Health that are very timely and very eye-opening. Mariestella De Leon Editor-in-Chief
CONTENTS PAGE ONE
VUSU PRESIDENT WELCOME Cat Abourizk
PAGE TWO PVC WELCOME Naomi Dempsey
PAGE THREE
PAGE SEVEN
HOW TO BECOME (AND REMAIN) SANE WITH THIS LIFE THAT WE HAVE TODAY! Samriddhi Bansal
PAGE NINE
DEJA VU Yvonne Rolley
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY
PAGE ELEVEN
PAGE FIVE
Ronish Chattaraj
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
'BOYS DON'T CRY' Mimmie Karagania
PAGE THIRTEEN
'IT WASN'T REAL' Qasdina Sargeant
PAGE FIFTEEN
PAGE TWENTY-NINE
PAGE SEVENTEEN
PAGE THIRTY-ONE
VOLUNTEER WITH VUSU
'A PIECE OF ADVICE' Cat Abourizk
PAGE EIGHTEEN
'SHADOWS OVER MERCY' Carmelina Monea
FIVE STEPS TO SURVIVE UNI
PAGE THIRTY-SEVEN
WOMEN'S OFFICER Temi Oladiji
COLOURING & SUDOKU
PAGE NINETEEN
PAGE THIRTY-NINE
'FAMILIAR PLACES' Zac Herdman
PAGE TWENTY-ONE 'GROWING FROM GRIEF' Hannah Nadin
PAGE TWENTY-FOUR 'SWALLOW' Carmelina Monea
PAGE TWENTY-FIVE HOW DO I KEEP MY PASSION ABOUT BROADCASTING & COMMUNITY BY USING SOCIAL MEDIA Shirin Noori
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PAGE ONE | ISSUE 1 2019
VUSU PRESIDENT WELCOME Welcome fabulous VU Student’s! 2019 is your year to be involved in everything Victoria University has to offer! I’m Cat Abourizk and I’m the Victoria University Student Union President for 2019. Welcome to all of you here at Victoria University (VU), we are so pleased to have you. The Victoria University Student Union (VUSU) is the peak representative student body at VU, designed to provide and advocate for students. We are students that represent you as students, to ensure your rights, safety and security, as well as provide you with the best student experience throughout university. The VUSU is an independent entity which works collaboratively with VU departments and in partnership with Student Services to create positive change, provide advocacy for students and to ensure the constant improvement of the student experience at VU.
We have representation on many committees, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) consultative committee. This year, we are aiming to bring more activities, events and services across all of the VU campuses. It is so important for students to have activities in and outside the classroom. One of the biggest initiative’s the VUSU is launching is the Be a Better Human Campaign, an initative developed by Flinders University which focuses on simply being a better human by thinking about empathy, consent and respect. As always, the VUSU will be out and about during semester two orientation, as well as throwing our weekly VUSU HANGS at our VU campuses weekly. VUSU HANGS brings you, yes you, FREE FOOD every Wednesday at Footscray Park and either Tuesday or Thursday at our other VU Campuses. Further, the VUSU will be bringing you more parties, blended mental health first aid training, a sporting carnival, our Annual Ball and so much more to you! If you ever want to have a chat with us, we are always here! Find us in the black, blue and white VUSU t-shirts on campus or call or email us anytime with any questions, queries and concerns you have on and off campus! Enjoy semester 2 of 2019, take up every opportunity given, and be the best you can be!
Cat Abourizk 2019 VUSU President
PVC WELCOME
Naomi Dempsey Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students), Victoria University
Welcome to Hyde Magazine! I am delighted to welcome you to this latest edition of this wonderful student-led initiative at Victoria University. Each year, the Victoria University Student Union (VUSU) produce a high quality, visually beautiful and very relevant publication for our student readership. This publication continues to demonstrate how important students as partners are to VU with initiatives such as Hyde continuing to be developed by students, for students. Funded by your Student Services & Amenities Fee, this is one of many communication platforms that enables students to shine a light on new, emerging and relevant topics. Over recent years, VUSU have provided a great avenue for artists to showcase their talents and the editorial content has enabled a discussion on many themes based including those in more recent years around social inclusion, individuality, equity and diversity. In this edition, together with VUSU, I proudly share with all students our inaugural Student Mental Health Strategy for Victoria University.Â
Developed in partnership with students, this important piece of work supports VU’s ongoing commitment to embrace best practice principles around student wellbeing. It encompasses strategies in mental health, cultural diversity, accessibility and sexual assault and safety. With approximately only 1% of students disclosing mental ill health to their university and its support services, VU recognises the imperative to develop ways of reaching students who do not traditionally seek help with positive systemic approaches to both mental health policy and effective student service provision. The Strategy is now in the implementation phase under the leadership of our Student Services team. I welcome all students who are interested in enhancing student wellbeing at VU to reach out and contact us to share your views and ideas on how we may destigmatise mental health and provide a healthy and inclusive environment where all students feel supported.
PAGE TWO | ISSUE 1 2019
Student Mental Health Strategy VU has prioritised the need for a clear vision and direction on the status of student mental health and wellbeing across the institution. The Student Mental Health Strategy (2018-2020) lays down the commitment to embed a common approach across the VU community that promotes positive student mental health and creates an environment that is responsive to students who experience mental ill health by ensuring that a range of services, supports and events are provided that promote positive mental health and wellbeing. The Strategy aims to develop and promote an inclusive and supportive community that fosters positive mental health for all students at VU. It is important to note that the Strategy reflects the University’s commitment to support and protect students’ right to achieve their academic potential. This will be achieved through the three key goals of focus that are promotion, protection and intervention
VU is committed to promote greater awareness of mental health and wellbeing, and in doing so reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health. We will achieve this by fostering critical conversations about mental health through targeted reference groups that include both staff and students that lead to improvements in policies, programs and practice. Providing information resources on a range of channels, as well as training that challenges inaccurate stereotypes about mental ill health will foster the promotion of greater awareness. This will be aided by an ongoing program of high-quality activities and events that build a greater understanding and knowledge of mental health among students and staff. These programs will enable a forum for ongoing discussion that actively reduces stigma and provides a proactive process that supports students.
BOYS DON'T CRY “Men don’t cry!” “Crying is for girls “ “You take care of your mothers and sisters when I’m not home okay?” “If you’re being emotional in the relationship, who is the man then?” “Are you going to let him speak to you like that?” “Toughen up! I’m just preparing you for the world. “
I could go on and on about the heavy burden so carelessly placed on young boys in society. The burden they carry so long and sourly turn into the emotional donkeys for their families and societies at large when they’re older. These little boys who have been unfairly programmed for so long into unfeeling beings. If you show emotion, you are weak. No one tells them: “If you cry, it’s okay “ “Have a best friend, have a good support system for the tough days “ “Sometimes you will be sad and it’s okay to show it.” “It’s okay to let yourself feel all sorts of emotion.” Most conversations I’ve had with a lot of guys my age when I ask them how they deal with not being okay. I get a response that always circles around the same phrase.” We are guys, we don’t sit around and talk about our feelings.” Everyone speaks for women and talks about girls. It is a beautiful thing. However, when 70 men in a village in Kenya commit suicide in a span of 3 years, something is terribly wrong. The power struggle to uplift women and bring equality has now turned into one of neglect for the simple fact that little boys are also in need of the same attention and love.
- Mimmie Karagania
PAGE FIVE | ISSUE 1 2019
HOW TO BECOME (AND REMAIN) SANE WITH THIS LIFE THAT WE HAVE TODAY! ‘Mental disorder’ has definitely become a buzz term today, but only someone who experiences one of the disorders on the spectrum can speak about the weight they actually carry. The most common of all, depression, is used too much. A slightest hint of sadness or boredom is described as a ‘depressive state’ by many of us. I am a former medical student, now an international medical graduate here in Australia. Having spent more than 5 years in the vicinity of these illnesses, I can confirm that I myself lurk around the edges of them. I have morbid anxiety, exact term being ‘Generalized anxiety disorder’. I will worry constantly about something that does not need to be given that much thought.
While writing my essay for the assignment, it occurred to me I need to buy groceries for next few days. Pushing the chore to one safe side somewhere inside my brain, I tried to read the last line I had written in the essay. Spending a quarter of an hour on it, I got derailed to thinking about the coming assignment for another unit, which actually permitted eight more days before the due date. What I am trying to convey through this seemingly ‘mundane’ journal is the working of an anxious mind.
Today was a normal (busy) day for me. I woke up to cook for the entire day, showered and left for the library. I teach English as a parttime. While I was cooking, I wondered what would follow if I don’t make it in time for my student’s class. I left home on time, not late, pretty early actually. On the train, I practically planned every minute of the day after this class. I will need coffee on the way for my journey from the library to my university. This would allow time for the caffeine to kick in. By the time I reach university to work on my assignments, I will be alert and be able to give my best output. PAGE SEVEN | ISSUE 1 2019
Our moods are determined by availability of substances like serotonin and norepinephrine majorly, not exclusively though. The antidepressant and other medications for mood disorders contain reuptake inhibitors, thus increasing the amounts of these substances in our systems. A perfect balance of Serotonin and Norepinephrine are needed to sustain a normal individual. If they are high, the person seems ‘manic’ and if less, depressive. Mood stabilizers are the drugs that help in achieving this. What if we engage ourselves in activities that increase the amount of their secretion naturally? What if we convert our experiences and the people we meet into our regulators of happiness and sadness? Of somewhat backward thinking, I have just recently joined Instagram, as of course it gave me anxiety: the constant stress of a social media presence. An ever-growing page ‘Word Porn’ sums me up precisely “People with anxiety don’t have a train of thought. We have seven trains on four tracks that narrowly avoid each other when the paths cross and all the conductors are screaming.” When I found this quote, I felt acknowledged, heard and validated. While my solace usually lies in poems, words and loneliness, I have found that it lasts longer when I decide to go out with my friends or meet people. It is okay to be on a constant alert for something or another, but to do things alongside is equally important. Go for a dinner date with a friend you have not seen for long, volunteer for a good cause even if you are super busy, attend a free event even if you already have a million things to do. Because you have no idea what a chance meeting with a stranger can do, every person we meet carries a piece of us and we are a piece in their puzzle too. Maybe nothing good will come out of dragging yourself out of the bed and going out, but what if it does? - Samriddhi Bansal
PAGE NINE | ISSUE 1 2019
Déjà VU Does it all feel familiar ….stress, anxiety, recurring self-doubt…. are my brows on fleek? What is “fleek” Why am I so salty all the time? What is “spill the tea?” …oh yeah I have no one to spill the tea with? Everyone seems to be on top of everything, no one understands how I feel…. Stressing all day and night, I can’t sleep…if I just Netflix and chill maybe I will leave it all until later….. gotta get a job, let’s get this bread, study, more study, Block Block, Block…. mental block, emotional block……. the VU Block! Oh great.….arghhh now exams…..! Does it feel like you have been here before, the roundabout of stress and pressure upsetting the balancing act of uni and life? The balancing act of being a student, working, studying and all the hurdles that life throws at you when at uni is both exciting and daunting, sometimes shaped by high levels of anxiety and selfdoubt- a perfect storm. The roller coaster life as a student with all the ups and downs is common to all students- anxiety is normal.
Most students have high levels of anxiety about what they don’t know, mixed with an enormous amount of anticipation about their future life. Often you don’t realise that the person sitting next to you might look totally put together, but they are actually just as anxious. Getting involved and participating in student clubs and societies’ social activities is a really good way of making new friends and realising that there is a a whole bunch of peeps out there feeling just being a little bit out of control and anxious about the future. Sharing experiences is reassuring that there are friends to help and many uni wellbeing programs and services in place to help you manage all kinds of challenges from personal to academic. There are many student wellbeing services available, which are free and confidential where you can chat about anything. Sometimes speaking with a counsellor can help you to manage stress and develop skills in coping with all those life challengesnothing is too small or big to discuss with one of our counsellors.
Remember they were students once too and have chosen to work in the uni to support students like you to manage well and thrive. It takes a bit of effort, however, explore the services on offer and get involved with your Faculty and VUSU student events on campus, as it is a great way of making a couple of new friends and feeling connected to other students just like you. You know how I mentioned ‘not having a clue? Some students are clear about what they want to study and their intended career, but most don’t know. VU has a range of mentors, student advisers, course advisers who can provide guidance, link you to a wide range of university resources, and give you the tools and skills to progress through a degree-even help when you decide you are in the wrong course! One of the biggest challenges is struggling with financial demands, working many hours in paid employment as well as studying. It is hard to get the balance right. The Wellbeing services can assist you manage the demands and help out when things seem desperate. All you need to do if you are feeling stressed out, is to contact the Wellbeing services and make a time to come and have a chat about how we can help make things better. Déjà VU- Be in the moment and seek out support.
Wellbeing Services. Call 9919 5400 to book an appointment for any campus (or for further information). 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. https://www.vu.edu.au/currentstudents/campus-life/advicesupport/counselling/make-anappointment-or-contactcounselling Other Services: Lifeline – 24/7 telephone counselling on 13 11 14, or chat online (7pm – 4am, 7 days) Kids Helpline – available if you are 25 years old or younger. 24/7 telephone counselling on 1800 55 1800 Yvonne is the Associate Director of Student Life and Wellbeing and is a professional social work practitioner with over 20-years in the higher education sector working in partnership with students in 7 universities.
PAGE ELEVEN | ISSUE 1 2019
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION VU ISA is the peak representative body of all international students at Victoria University. As part of the Victoria University Student Union, we represent students in terms of issues regarding their time in Australia and organise events and activities that create a positive student experience. With this, we strive to create a second family away from home for you. ISA stands as a vital non-political organisation that represents the interests and welfare of all International students studying at VU campuses. We represent more than five thousand international students, who are currently enrolled in any ELICOS, TAFE, Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in Melbourne. VU ISA 2019 team comprises of 5 members from different cultural backgrounds which makes the team diverse in our approach towards attaining our goal of uniting every international PAGE FOUR| JOURNEY student into a close-knit family.
Mengyang Li, President - "Hey guys, I am the president of the ISA and I hope I can make the lives of the international students studying in Vic Uni, easier, memorable and stress-free". Ronish Chattaraj, Social Admin "Hello lovely peeps, I hope to keep updating every student round the corner, about the events going on around the campus and make their social lives fun and hope to keep everyone happy and jolly". - Ronish Chattaraj
PAGE SEVENTEEN | ISSUE 1 2019
To my younger self remember that its okay to be you remember that you are strong independent capable and smart Go easy on yourself Sometimes its okay to not be okay Give yourself time Listen to your mum she probably knows a lot Breathe JUST BE YOU - Cat Abourizk
The VUSU Executive Team of 2019 Alexander Haw, Cat Abourizk, Dan Nicholson, Hannah Nadin and Will Penrose
VUSUTEER WITH VUSU vustudentunion.com/volunteer
Becoming a VUSUteer is a fantastic way to get involved in the Student Union and all it has to offer. If you are interested in helping others and giving back to the University community then this is the place to start. It's one of the best ways to learn about the different services that the University and VUSU provide for students while also making huge developments to your leadership skills, problem solving abilities and team work capabilities. PAGE FIFTEEN | ISSUE 1 2019
WOMEN'S OFFICER My name is Temi Oladiji and I’m the women’s Officer for VUSU 2018/2019. My role involves organising initiatives that benefit and empower women as well as work with other departments at the university to make sure that women feel safe on campus. This year, we have hosted some great events and initiatives to raise more awareness for some issues that women face. In honour of International Womens Day, we produced ‘The WonderWoman series’, a video series that explored the lives of three amazing women who have gone through domestic abuse, but are using their experiences to empower other women We also launched this series at the International Womens Day High Tea. This event was organised to celebrate all the women at VU as well as give women an opportunity to connect and discuss issues specific to us. We recently also hosted a Mother’s Day breakfast as we wanted to acknowledge and honour all the mothers, both staff and students at Victoria University
Coming up, we have our self defence series, a range of workshops teaching women how to defend themselves in various ways. Our boxing workshop is sure to be a hit so don’t miss out!! To stay updated on all the Women’s events, please head over to the VUSU Facebook page. If there are any issues on campus, pertaining to the safety and welfare of women, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at women@vustudentunion.com I look forward to seeing you at one of our events! - Temi Oladiji
PAGE NINETEEN | ISSUE 1 2019
FAMILIAR PLACES He awoke gazing up at the night sky. A canvas of darkness sprinkled with pin pricks of white, the moon, full and blinding, bathing him in pale light. He blinked and his head thumped. He wiggled fingers and toes, and felt the dull ache of bruising stretch across his entire body. As his senses crept back into clarity he could hear the chirping of crickets, smell the faint scent of barley and manure, and feel stalks of corn and hay itch at his back and legs. He lifted his head, and the thumping grew more and more intense, almost as if he could feel his heart beat within the confines of his skull. He groaned as he sat up, managing to sit cross legged. Looking around he noticed three things. It was late at night. He was in a corn field, was it his field? He felt like it was his field. And he was naked. He stood up, and the thumping grew louder and harder, like the worst headache he ever had. Luckily, the crops weren’t ready for harvesting and only came up to his chest.
He looked around, slowly, every turn of his head made it throb harder, he felt like he could throw up. He saw fields of corn stretch as far as he could see, the moon illuminating thousands of corn heads. Despite his blurry vision he could see a small house in the distance. It was a small thing, four wooden walls, a tin roof and two square windows bleeding light from within. Was that his house? He felt like it was his house. He stumbled through the field, almost tripping several times. He approached the front verandah, the door was swaying in the wind, creaking as it went back and forth. Music was playing from the radio in the kitchen, the static notes of Ain't that a kick in the head by Dean Martin echoed from within. He tried to look through the windows first, but the lights were blinding, like looking directly into the sun. Shielding his eyes he swung the door open and ventured inside. It took a couple of minutes, but he began to make out details through teary eyes.
A single roomed house, rotten wooden walls and floor, moldy tiles covered the far corner of the room where the kitchen oven and fridge were. A stained coffee table, beer bottles, mugs and some documents labeled CLASSIFIED were strewn across its surface. To his right was a coat rack with a leather jacket. Was that his jacket? He felt like it was his jacket. To his left was a small bed, with no blanket and a man, fully clothed, facing the wall. He rolled the man on his back, but he didn't stir. He was cold to the touch, and his eyes stared up at the tin roof, bloodshot. He was middle aged, with brown eyes, stubble, a crooked nose and wavy dark hair. He looked familiar. He looked dead. Was that his face? He felt like it was his face. He stripped him of his clothes, some kind of dark grey and black camouflage military uniform, and put them on. He fumbled through the pockets and found a leather wallet, he opened it and pulled out the drivers license. ‘Joe Briggs,’ he whispered as he studied the licence. Was that his name? He felt like it was his name. He walked to the coffee table and picked up the classified document. He began to read. Was this his new life? He felt like this was his new life.
- Zac Herdman
PAGE TWENTY-ONE | ISSUE 1 2019
growing from grief When I was 22 years old the love of my life of 4 years and my best friend of 10, tragically died in a car accident. An emptiness washed over as I sat in bed hearing the news that he was no longer here. It’s a feeling I had never felt before, nor ever wished to feel. The only way to describe this feeling, was empty. I was up until 2am the next morning still frozen, surrounded by people, trying to form words… and nothing, no words could explain this. I lay in the same bed we were that previous morning, waiting for him to come home. I felt as though every bit of light in this world had been taken away from me and a empty darkness had washed over. I don’t think I could ever truly describe the heartache of losing the love of one’s life, as words could never compare to the feeling itself. Six months passed and I left our hometown. I could not live the same life day after day without him, so I packed up and moved. Leaving that life was hard as it was all I had known for so long but staying would have been harder. It was at this point I went to university and attempted to start a new life, but I always felt as though something was pulling me back to that life. I tried new things; clothes, friends, even my personality.
I thought things may have been getting better for me, my attitude was changing, and I could feel a bit more of a smile on my face… but it was only during the time I was around people. At night things weren’t great, I could always feel the heartache and the pain, it wouldn’t go away. I knew there was only so long I could keep up the façade of putting on a brave face. I fell into what I call the ‘dark year’, where I was in a depressive state of grief. It was a state that no one could pull me out of. It felt as though things only kept getting worse. My “friends” from my old life turned on me and left me when I thought I needed them most. My partners family treated me as if I were a stranger. I had one person who stood by me. She cooked my favourite meals every day, as she knew if she put it on my bed side table, I would eat it. She kept me alive. My family didn’t know what to do and tried to cheer me up but nothing would get me out In this time I honestly thought I would die of a broken heart. I gave up on everything; eating, drinking, studying, enjoying time spent with family and friends, even getting out of bed. I slept for 12 hours a day. I didn't want to to leave my room as I knew there I could just cry and be alone.
I thought that I didn't deserve to be happy as he couldn't be. I started seeing a psychologist who helped me work through the pain. I started mending ‘the wall’. The wall was a metaphor that my psychologist taught me to use. It’s about putting the pain on the other side and allowing it to come out in small doses, to seep through the cracks of the bricks instead of being so overwhelmed in the pain and experiencing the full amount and letting it take control of me. From seeing a psychologist, I started to change, and it was real this time. I started celebrating my partners life rather than mourning his death. I always spoke about him with pride and love and people could see that, but I started becoming the girl who was being defined by the death of her love. I did not want this. I was once the girl who always had a smile on her face and spoke with such promise. People who I knew would always say "Every time I see you, you look so happy". I wanted this back. I wanted to feel like myself again.
Grieving takes time and you’ll have good days and bad days and it’s okay to not be okay. I have spent what feels like a lifetime not trusting people and hiding my heart but slowly am I letting people back in. Healing is hard, I know, but sometimes you have to try to find a positive in a negative and grow from it. It's been three years now and I’m still healing but instead of fighting grieving (as I tried to for so long), I'm going with life. Grieving is a lifetime process and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Just be kind to yourself and allow yourself to heal and grow from your grief. Just because you start healing doesn’t mean you forget them or love them any less, your loved ones will always be there with you every step of the way. Time may not heal all wounds but we learn to cope with it and learn from it. Help yourself, love yourself and just take care of yourself.
I wanted to be someone my partner would be proud of. - Hannah Nadin By the end of 2017 I made a decision to switch degrees at uni as I wasn’t happy; in which I made a promise with myself that I would not fail a unit. I am now half way through and have kept that promise to myself. Along with my psychologist, I now see a personal trainer twice a week, who teaches me self-defence and a holistic approach to heal and help mend my broken heart.
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SWALLOW My daughter searches her reflection on a plate with morsels of undressed salad and poached chicken; white meat measured to the size of her palm. Heavy minutes pass and urgent hunger burns within. The groan of emptiness deafens us, but her longing constricts the memories of a time when food was more than the filling of one’s stomach. This disease has left her palate parched. In desperation, I grasp her hollow frame, beg her to swallow. - Carmelina Monea
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HOW DO I KEEP MY PASSION ABOUT BROADCASTING & COMMUNITY BY USING SOCIAL MEDIA Why did I start this project? Migrating to any country is always very stressful. The differences in culture, language, environment, religion, people, food, and work, are just some of the many challenges new migrants have to face, and quite often, they have to face them alone, because they have no family or friends in their new country. As a person who migrated to Australia in my thirties, and a person who had a very strong and successful working background, I faced so many difficulties in understanding how to adapt to and merge with, my new country. It took me a long time to find a job, and a long time before I could even start to feel a sense of belonging. At that time, I was thinking I wish I knew more about Australian culture and working environment, before I migrated. I was always looking for people who were like me but had migrated long before me, so I could hear their stories and learn about their challenges. But at that time, I didn’t have a chance to meet many people from my region. With part of my background as a journalist, and with my first-hand experience with the challenges facing new migrants, I decided that I would be able to make a difference for new migrants. It was then that the idea of assisting new migrants, by exchange of information on social media, would be the way to go.
@cafeshinoo
Short summary about @cafeshinoo? New technology and social media, have allowed everybody from anywhere in the world to connect, from the comfort of their own home. Instagram is one of them, and from the point of view of a journalist and digital producer, I have found this platform easy to produce, and to share information and stories online, which reach people anywhere, and at any time. As one of the most popular, user friendly, and leading online social mediums, Instagram provides the perfect platform to create and publish articles of all kinds, which can reach and engage a huge audience, across a broad section of the public/community. With the ability to upload photos and/or videos, live stories etc, “the blogger” (as the producer of the information is referred to), is able to connect with an unlimited audience. Using a “hashtag” (as the identifier of the blogger/s is referred to) is also the method used to attract the “following crowd”, to the “bloggers” page. Instagram blogs, also have Q&A facilities, which further engages followers, and helps to define and determine the audience’s interests. This enables the publication and posting of information and content, which is of most interest and relevance to the audience..
What is the outcome of this page? At the time I started my page on Instagram I had a clear vision and plan, that with the contacts I created, I would be able to share stories with people who are either new to Australia, or intending to migrate. My vision and hope, is to be able to help them even in a small way, to make changes in their life transformation. Iranian culture and community talking about hardship in life it’s not easy especially on social media, knowing that their stories would reach many people who they don’t even know. Iranians are very proud people, and acknowledging that they may have to start work at a level well below what they have been used to, can be very confronting, and also embarrassing, and can cause people to feel shame. However, since I have started this blog, and have been conducting personal interviews, which I publish on Instagram. I have been amazed at how everyone has embraced the idea, and how they are prepared to openly share their stories, because of the same reason I faced when I arrived in Australia. There is an old story which says that a young man chooses a road to go, and an old man warns him that road is a dead end, and has no destination. The young man doesn’t listen, and continues until he finds out the hard way, that the road is a dead end, and has no destination. Well I think my idea and my page is like that old man. I can show the right path to the people who appreciate and listen to people’s stories and experiences, and get a better understanding of their new challenges, so they can use the information as a guide, and hopefully, to the right outcome.
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How would I know if the outcomes have been achieved?
So far, I have built up over 1900 followers in less than five months, and without any advertising or sponsoring. People love my page and following my posts, and are constantly and eagerly waiting for my new posts and stories. The amount of positive feedback I receive after each post is overwhelming. This shows me that my plan and idea is working well. People take it seriously, and follow all the stories. They are trusting me and asking questions and wanting solutions. This shows I have built a strong relationship between my followers who I really don’t know. However, they regard me as a professional and trustworthy person who is here for them. - Shirin Noori
Shadows over Mercy Extended hallways with floors of blue lino cannot cast a reflection to create what she knows to be unattainable; the freedom to stand beneath white clouds and blue sky The barred windows remove her and the thermostat dictates the seasons and she knows there is no balance for the shadows continue to follow though God has plucked the light - Carmelina MoneaÂ
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5 STEPS TO SURVIVE UNI ADMIN VU Collbaorate MyVU Student Email
STEP
01
STEP
02 PRIORITISING Look at your concerns, prioritise your list
CONCERNS
What issues do have come up? Make a list!
STEP
03 STEP
04 RELAX
Done! Time to enjoy University
STEP
05
SOLVE
VUHQ VUSU
STEP
01
CHECK YOUR ADMIN DETAILS
COURSE and UNIT DETAILS
Are you enrolled in the right course/subject? Are your personal details correct/up to date? (incl. your TFN) Does your timetable show what you enrolled in? Any timetable concerns?
COURSE and UNIT INFORMATION Have you checked your unit guide for information about assessments, readings and how to contact your lecturer? Do you know your subjects’ content? Do you know the required readings/textbooks you are meant to purchase/read for your unit?
FACILITIES Do you know your way around campus? Not sure how to borrow a book from the library? Need Academic help? Assignment prompt breakdowns? Have you connected to the university free Wi-Fi?
Starting university can be confusing, there are many different areas and plenty to explore. But to ensure that you’re ready for your course (the reason you here in the first place), you need to ensure that the admin is all confirmed. Below are just a few questions to start your quest to ensure all of the admin is done and dusted.
ONLINE Have you logged into your VU Collaborate? Have you logged into MYVU and completed a success plan? Do you know how to access your Email? Downloaded VU App?
STEP
02
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN ISSUES/CONCERNS
Within the quest to answer these questions you may find that there are issues that arise or some of those questions you’re unable to answer, and that’s ok. Write down your problems and put them into a list. Now, don’t lose that list, you’re going to want to keep it around. You will end up adding and removing things from the list with the eventual aim to throw it away in the bin (or into a fire depending on how much you hated the list) once everything is crossed off.
PRIORITISING YOUR ISSUES/CONCERNS
STEP
03
Now that you have your list, how do you decide which ones are most important? Well before you may have noticed the questions were in sections. If you group your questions into those sections and then work your way down you will be ok. Here is how we grouped them; Tier 1: First, you need to know where to Tier 3: The next section is to ensure find your details, hence jumping online you’re ready for your classes. Checking and navigating the online platforms all these details will set you up for at least a pass in your classes
Tier 2: Next, you need to ensure all those details are correct, sometimes administration may make a mistake. They are human after all and therefore you need to follow up to ensure you’re not disadvantaged
Tier 4: This is where you can get those HD’s, once you’re ready for your classes knowing how to navigate the rest of the university can take away some stressing meaning you can focus on your classes.
STEP
04
SOLVING YOUR ISSUES
So now you should be sitting at your desk looking at what is hopefully a small list, if not don’t be disheartened. The university is a huge entity and there is heaps to learn! Below are areas within the university that can help you answer all if not most of your questions VUHQ – VUHQ is the central point advisory desk of the university and they can help you with you tier 1 and tear 2 questions. You can call VUHQ on +61 3 9919 6100 on Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm, or you can pop in and see them on campus. Follow this link to find more https://www.vu.edu.au/contact-us/vuhqstudent-service-centres. The general rule of thumb is go to them for any issue and they can direct you to the right spot. Course Advisor – the course advisors are useful when it comes to Tier 2 and 3. If you can’t find your answers by navigating the online platforms (VU collaborate, and MYVU) getting in contact and organizing a meeting with them can solve a lot of issues. For appointments visit your VU Homepage and search for ‘Course and Unit Advice’, then find the section for your college. IT Support – Whilst this may not be applicable for many issues you will find yourself needing these life savers in the most urgent times. For issues such as Wi-Fi trouble and VU Collaborate, email servicedesk@vu.edu.au for further help.
Learning Hubs – Your go to shop if you want to get those HD’s or when that one concept just isn’t sinking in, they will be able to help you out with most of your Tier 4 issues as well as some Tier 3 questions. They have three main areas Career help – whether you need an knowledgeable opinion on how to achieve your career path or help tinkering with your resume to make it stand out the career department will be able to help Academic help - Learning advisors and student mentors will be able to support your study by explaining topics or at least showing you the right place to look for answers. Workshops – my only suggestion here is jump onto the VU App and have a look at all the amazing workshops The Learning Hub have that cover topics that are applicable for your studies and for your life once you leave the university and enter the work force. Victoria University Super App – Finally we suggest you download this app. Whilst it probably won’t answer any issues on your list other that how to find you way around the university, there will be many questions that arise themselves during your time here. This app will help you answer most of them. The app has things like; Your Timetable, Access to VU Collaborate, Interactive Campus Maps, AskVU Help Links, Support Services, And much more!
STEP
RELAX 05 Like really relax, it’s ok. The university wants you to succeed and are trying to help you reach your goals in life. Make sure you know where your support services are because you’re going to be here for a few years. The last thing you want to be is stressed the whole time. Here are some good places to go to help you deal with stress. Student life – Student life run a lot of events throughout the year all with the idea of giving students a reprieve from their study. That’s why it is useful to follow them on Facebook so you can keep up to date with all they do and take advantage of their events... plus they hand out a lot of free food, can’t go past that. Welfare services – this area cover a lot of support and is a great start to look at when dealing with an issue. My suggestion is look at this link (https://www.vu.edu.au/currentstudents/campus-life/advice-support) and just explore for 5 minutes. They have services ranging from student advocacy, to accommodation support, to general counselling services. Clubs and societies https://www.vu.edu.au/currentstudents/campus-life/clubs-student-groups
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VUSU is the PEAK REPRESENTATIVE STUDENT BODY at Victoria University, designed to provide and advocate for students at Victoria University. Our team here at VUSU are diligent in students rights, safety and security, as well as providing the best student experiences throughout the university journey. Basically we are here to support you!
VU sports and clubs – When it comes to humans the one thing we know for sure is having a good social network is key to happiness. If you’re introverted you still tend to have those really close friends and if you’re looking to expand your social network there is no better place than clubs, societies and sport teams. These groups are where you can find like-minded people so once you’re settled in and have your bearings of the uni it’s a good idea to have a look at all the different groups the university has to offer. Below are two links that can connect you to those groups. Sport clubs https://www.vu.edu.au/currentstudents/campus-life/sport-fitness/sportclubs
This 5 step guide is your 2019 guide to surviving block mode, giving you all the information you will need to understand, navigate and succeed in a new learning environment. This guide was created by students for students. As students we know hectic and stressful uni can be so if you ever need support or help come by our office M129, email us at queries@vustudentunion.com or call us on 03 9919 5053.
Take a deep breath, relax and good luck
STRESS LESS
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Try colouring in to de-stress or maybe procrastinate...
SUDOKU MEDIUM
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The entire Hyde team The students and staff who su bmi t ted pi eces to the magazine Cat Abourizk, Will Penrose, Hannah Nad i n, Xander Haw, and Daniel Nicholson from VUSU
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS EDITION POSSIBLE
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Victoria University
STUDENT UNION