Student Peer Leader Network

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? As an interstate student who moved to Melbourne to study, I resonated with the opportunity to connect and work with such a diverse group of students and staff.

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Being a peer leader has given me the opportunity to learn so many valuable new skills with the primary purpose of finding the best ways to share them. I love that we are given the opportunity to grow as individuals while simultaneously helping the wider university community.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I adore all things theatre and I try to perform in, write and direct as many shows as I can around my studies.

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I loved the idea of working at the University as a way of giving back and sharing my skills with the student community, with the added benefit of meeting new people and making great connections through this role.

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? Something I enjoy most is constantly being inspired by my amazing fellow peer leaders and the entire team, learning something new from almost every interaction.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I am passionate about fitness and challenging my body. I have just mastered the ‘headstand’ and am excited to push myself and try more new things.

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I applied because of the chance to represent the student experience in student services. I was particularly motivated by the opportunity to develop and support programs that improve student wellbeing.

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? If I had to choose one it would be my awareness of transferable skills. This key learning from the role has not only emboldened me to explore career pathways outside of my study area, but it has also made me more confident in my own skillset.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? At the risk of sounding like your typical university student – social justice. This interest of mine has definitely informed a lot of the key decisions that I’ve made over the past few years, whether it be at work, my studies or in the volunteering that I do. When I’m not busy focusing on social justice, I’m busy looking after my four cats.

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? It was a chance to contribute to the student community in a truly meaningful way. Through our involvement with the Careers and Employability team and many external projects, peer leaders have the opportunity to help others by sharing our own experiences. I've found this connection to be very rewarding!

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? My favourite part about the role is the people I've met along the way; from my fellow peer leaders to the staff and students we work alongside. The interactions I've had as a peer leader have enabled me to learn from others across all faculties.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I love to travel! Throughout my time at university, I've studied in North Carolina on exchange and completed an intensive subject in Venice. I hope to live and work overseas one day.

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? What motivated me to join the Student Peer Leader Network was the passion to challenge myself and ultimately to engage in student services and enhance the student experience.

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? I would say interacting with my fellow peers in the Careers and Employability Studio and giving them guidance and help when needed.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? My passion is finding the joy in the little things, especially the little victories in our day to day life.

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? It attracted me because I saw it as an opportunity to develop my own employability skills whilst helping and providing advice to my peers!

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? I’ve loved listening to and learning from the experiences of a diverse range of students.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I’m a hardcore Survivor fan! I like to convince myself that I’d be great at strategising my way to the million, but I don’t think I’d actually last too long in the rough conditions!

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I’d been active on campus throughout my undergraduate degree and was looking for a new way to be involved in university life. The Student Peer Leader Network offered an amazing opportunity to interact with a huge range of students from across the University as well as build upon my own professional skills.

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? I’ve loved being able to contribute to such a wide variety of projects and to have gained skills in so many different areas. From careers and employability, to project management and to digital communications, I’ve been equipped with professional skills that I’ll be able to use throughout my career.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I’m passionate about education and ensuring everyone has the ability to cultivate and pursue their own passion for education regardless of their circumstances. Through my role at the Student Peer Leader Network, I gained the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles in a not-for-profit pursuing these aims and thus have done more to make a difference in this space.

What motivated you to join the Student Peer Leader Network? I was motivated to join the Student Peer Leader Network because I was interested in gaining experience in student services and the tertiary sector after having worked for the university as a Students@Work intern. Having enjoyed teaching and mentor roles in the past, I also wanted to solidify my understandings of careers and recruitment through helping others improve their employability skills.

What is one learning or an aspect you have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader? What I have enjoyed the most about being a peer leader has been the chance to learn from and build strong relationships with the other peers, senior advisors and the leadership team. I also value the chance to give the student perspective and contribute to the continuous improvement of university programs.

If you could share one of your interests or passions, what would it be? I am passionate about music - all kinds of music ranging from classical and romantic period pieces, to 60s French music and rock and roll, to 70s glam rock, to 80s new wave and 90s Britpop! I love learning about the history, meaning and power of music as well as how music intersects with other art forms and cultural phenomena.