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Australia Awards scholar shares life as Filipino scholar during the pandemic
Through Australia Awards, I was able to go out of my comfort zone, overcome numerous academic and personal obstacles, and realise strengths that could contribute to the ongoing process of personal and professional development.
What's your most memorable experience/s living and studying in Australia?
I would say that one of my most memorable experiences as a Filipino scholar during the COVID-19 pandemic was completing almost the entire three semesters at home. Who would have thought that I would be completing my degree almost entirely in our rented apartment in Victoria? As dull as it may seem, it is memorable because I was still able to maximise and appreciate the opportunities that I have been given, despite pandemic restrictions. Whenever possible, my housemates and I spent time learning and working on our requirements in the state-of-the-art facilities in Monash University, especially during crunch time for our assessments. The ease by which we acquired academic references through the library and utilised student learning spaces and support services was truly remarkable. The opportunities to attend classes and events onsite were enriching as we were able to share our insights and experiences with domestic and international students with different cultural backgrounds. We might not have been able to have the full experience of an Australian education (i.e., full-blown O-Week and Open Day, regular face-to-face tutorials/workshops, public lectures), but still, we were lucky enough to thrive in this remote setup.
Another memorable experience is travelling to Australia's top attractions together with my fellow Australia Awards scholars. When the lockdown restrictions were eased, my Filipino batchmates and I had a short vacation in the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, and Tasmania. We saw the natural landscapes and wildlife in these states and enjoyed their local delicacies (e.g., wines, cheese, etc.).
What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?
First, Australian universities are ranked among the top universities across the globe based on reputable ranking institutions. This ensures that graduate students receive the best education from leaders and innovators in their fields of study while having access to world-class research and training facilities. Second, the student/learning culture in Australian universities emphasises feelings of belonging and being supported. While the COVID-19 restrictions made it easier to feel isolated because of the remote learning setup, all while being in a foreign land, the teaching and professional staff in Australia have always been approachable and they extended services to support learning and engagement of both domestic and international students. There are also a lot of opportunities to take part in university-wide activities through volunteering. For one, I volunteered as a peer mentor in the Monash Graduate Association and also served as an Education Student Ambassador at the Faculty of Education. Through these activities, I felt more involved and included in the University.
Last, Australian universities value study-work-life balance. The academic workload for postgraduate studies is manageable such that there is room for casual work (as per work rights under student visa) and enough time to enjoy and maximise opportunities for personal growth through experiencing the Aussie lifestyle.
As a Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?
As a Filipino scholar, I am proud that I have received two awards for academic excellence - the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence from the Faculty of Education, and the Academic Medal for Excellence in Graduate Coursework Study from Monash University. These awards are given to the top graduating students with the highest record of academic achievement within the graduate program and the faculty. This is a proud moment for me as I was able to perform well across all my graduate units and overcome the challenges that I have faced during my studies in Australia. This goes to show that Filipino scholars could excel in our respective fields alongside other scholars from across the globe, given enough opportunities and appropriate support and resources. Thus, I am grateful to the overwhelming support from my family and friends, the University, and the Australia Awards scholars and community in Victoria.
Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.
Empowering. Through Australia Awards, I was able to go out of my comfort zone, overcome numerous academic and personal obstacles, and realise strengths that could contribute to the ongoing process of personal and professional development. It is empowering as the Australian education I received made me realise how much I can contribute to have an impact in our communities.
Now that you're back, how are you making a difference in your field / community?
As an OT educator, I am able to integrate what I have learned on inclusive education in delivering course contents and in contributing to research projects exploring service delivery models for allied health professionals (i.e., OT, physiotherapists, speech-language therapists) in integrated rehabilitation services in the basic education system. As an OT working in community-based programs, my Re-entry Action Plan, together with my host organisation, aims to develop capacity-building activity for parents of children with disabilities to equip them with disability-inclusive learning strategies to perform at home. Lastly, as an advocate for inclusive education, I am keen on collaborating with advocacy groups and non-government organisations to see through the implementation of RA 11650 that truly embodies the principles of equity and inclusion.
