Trailblazers: Hear from Equity students and be inspired about how they overcame adversity and conquered #unilife!
STUDENT INTERVIEWS
By Oliver Pike, Bachelor of Fine Arts/Education (Sec)
Could you describe your background?
I am a proud Wiradjuri Ngemba man who grew up in Dubbo, Central NSW. I am the youngest child in my family with 2 older brothers and an older sister. I attended secondary school at a Sydney boarding school located on the North Shore. I learned so many skills moving to Sydney from learning and studying habits about myself to becoming more independent. At school, I was awarded Head Prefect, Head of Co-curricular. At university, I aimed and strived to apply and run for positions I never thought I’d ever go for. Currently, I sit in 3 roles at UNSW which are, President of UNSW Hall College, Undergraduate Representative on the Academic Board, and Student Director on the Arc Board.
What are you currently studying and why?
I am currently in my 3rd year of Fine Art & Education (Sec). I major in film photography and sculpture. I have always wanted to become a teacher since I can remember. However, the main reason that really hooked me into striving to become a teacher was the years at high school that I was in cadets. Beginning cadets end of year 8 I was a recruit. Later on, in cadets, I became a platoon sergeant followed by Cadet under officer (CUO). In this position, I was teaching other students about certain knowledge that a cadet must learn. From first aid to learning how to march. Teaching these lessons, writing lesson plans, correcting students, and testing, I found my element. Most high school students loved Fridays because it was the last day of school for the week, I loved it because I was teaching for 2 hours after school.
Could you give us an example of when you faced adversity?
I have faced adversity many times in my schooling and university experiences. I personally believe the adversity that hits the most is the subtle comments in everyday language that people don’t people it hurts. I call it the ripple effect – if doesn’t affect you when said, however (potentially longer) a couple of years later, you begin to experience the heart-felt damage that occurred. Being Aboriginal and a proud member of the queer community, I have heard many comments in my life. From, “but you get it for free cause you’re Aboriginal” or “You can’t help us, you’re gay”. Even the subtle racist comments that potentially might occur in a lecture. All I have to say is, everything you say will hurt someone, so be mindful and cautious of the words that come out of your mouth.
Could you share some advice on how you overcame the adversity?
Truly, every person is different in dealing with adversity. The way that I overcame the comments said to be in my life is having a really strong and trustworthy support group. These are usually friends of mine from college or of the same background as me. Venting is sometimes the best thing to do when you think you’ve experienced adversity or a negative attitude towards you, I always love to sit down with my friends and just say it – “this is what happened to me today…”.
Can you share some tips on how to look after yourself when facing adversity?
Looking after yourself is so important. Find the things that you love doing and JUST DO IT! (copyright). You have to find the little things that make you happy all the time and go through them like a cycle. I need to go on a run every day, it makes me feel healthier and happier with myself, I love looking in the mirror and just feeling confident in myself (self-love is SO important), I love to put music on and have a dance by myself in my room – just cause I can, I also need to sit down and have coffee with a friend or two a couple of times during the week – always reconnect with those who love you. I emphasise this, “those who love you”, don’t be with people who don’t love and respect you, life is a two-way street.
What are some of the positive aspects of facing adversity and overcoming it?
Simple answer, you become a stronger and better self, plus you become an expert in dealing with tough situations.
When facing adversity or challenges do you face it alone or reach out to friends, family, or professionals?
I have never had to reach out to a professional because I have never believed I’ve needed to, but also because of have such a strong connected network of friends. When I’m with my family, it always reminds me why I’m doing what I’m doing. Being with my friends reminds me that I have that support group and that when I don’t love myself, I know there are people out there who do.
Has facing adversity made you a more resilient individual and student?
Absolutely, facing anything like this makes you a stronger and more resilient person. Getting back up and being your better self is so important, and this only happens with learning fail and overcoming issues and situations.
Is adversity normal during unilife?
I would like to say no, however people might experience adversity and not even know it, because they think it’s an everyday chat that everyone says – such as the common phrase “that’s so gay” or “cause she’s a woman”. These comments are bad and not right.
Any closing remarks to fellow students that are currently facing adversity?
Pull people up for saying or doing the wrong thing. I always do it to my closest friends and they always respect me when I explain to them that its just not right. But also, you don’t need to justify yourself when explaining that it feels uncomfortable or doesn’t sit right with you. You don’t have to be an expert on explaining and giving out advice, you just have to know you are allowed to say, “don’t say that” or “don’t do that”.
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