Welcome back one and all to your favourite Unimelb student blogger! This time I’m going to be logging back one last time to give you all a highlight and reflection of my past year studying in Australia at the University of Melbourne.
Upon writing this blog, I don’t even know how to start. The past year that I’ve spent as a Melbournian has really changed the way that I act and view life. I feel as though I’ve grown more than I ever have before both academically and also in maturity. First off, being all alone in a foreign country (even if it’s just across the ditch) in itself has forced me to take things into my own hand and pushed me to step out of the shy and I-won’t-interact-with-you-unless-you-make-the-first-move nature. One of the moments when I truly felt that change was when I entered into my tutorial for tax class at the start of this year and, without realising it, struck up a conversation with the person who I sat next to. Turns our we actually shared the exact same classes and became each other’s go-to person throughout the semester regarding any course work or problems we had. This initiative that pushed me to interact with him helped me to meet the most important person from Unimelb in this semester.
Second, I can see clearly how I’ve developed and shaped my approach to my future through this exchange. By living in the amazing city that is Melbourne, I could independently and critically evaluate the differences between Auckland and Melbourne and come to a conclusion about where I could see myself living after I graduate. I loved everything about this wonderful place from the people to the work culture to the opportunities it offers, I can really see myself integrating into this place in the future. Although I already had an idea that I wanted to pursue the Juris Doctor post-grad degree at Unimelb, this exchange really solidified my desire to look into making Melbourne my permanent place of abode starting in the near future.
Lastly, and arguably the most important aspect that I found has grown is my maturity. In particular, how I approached integrating my sense of self into life’s myriad of situations. One important experience that comes to mind when mentioning this is in my workplace. Whereas the me from a year ago would have probably done everything I could to gain the favour of everyone I worked with and disliked those who disliked me, I’ve come to accept the fact that there is no need to think too much about others when they have no effect over your life. It was one thing to be aware of the fact but an entirely different situation to truly accept.
To bring this blog to an end, I would just like to say what an amazing opportunity it was to participate in such a great exchange opportunity in the world’s most liveable city! Thank you to those in the 360 International team and the Melbourne Global Learning team for making this experience possible. It has truly changed my life for the better.
Signing off the final time,
Your friendly Unimelb guide 🙂