USASA Student Board 2020

The USASA Board, made up of 13 elected UniSA students, is the peak decision-making committee at USASA. The student board is passionate about representing the students of UniSA.

The Board has an overarching responsibility to manage the conduct of USASA's business and affairs. It is also responsible for the management and control of USASA’s funds and property.

Click on a student rep’s image to view their contact details and profile to learn more.

Student Representative Blog

To find out what our student reps have been up to, visit the student rep blog at usasaboard.wordpress.com

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Student Representative Profiles

What are you studying?
Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) and a Graduate Diploma of Aviation

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
Originally I was involved in the aviation student club and could see the work that can be accomplished through being active in the student community. I was a rep on the board in 2019 as the Mawson Lakes Campus Representative and saw the change that you can enact if you are dedicated and engaged, however, I didn’t quite feel that I’d achieved everything I wanted to, so I decided to have one more crack at it.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
As the President, I look forward to invigorating USASA by developing new initiatives in conjunction with the campus representatives, being a strong voice for students on the academic and university council, and motivating the board reps to be out on the ground providing students with proper services and support.

 

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Go to your damn lectures! Oh and also sign up to every club you can! It’s the best way to get the most out of your time here at University.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
Second Valley. I’ve been going there since I was 4 years old. The beach is beautiful in the summer, you can go rock climbing, fishing, snorkelling. It’s the perfect place to escape to.

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
An eagle.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
Last year I said a cross between Captain Holt and Jake Peralta from Brooklyn 99, I think I’m leaning more towards Holt now though.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Wait, you’re getting sleep?
But seriously I’d just go flying.

 

View Noah's board blog posts here.

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What are you studying?
International Master of Business Administration

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
While I was building my skillset & developing myself positively, I thought of doing things I am passionate about - serving students. It is my passion to assist fellow students with having their voice heard and experiences shared, propelled me to be a student representative.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
I will work with the other USASA student representatives and board members to better understand the UniSA processes, systems and policies, achieve the unified mission of the USASA Board 2020, and effectively be the voice of students. With a greater understanding of UniSA systems and processes, I am looking forward to providing students with the best student campus experience.

What’s the best thing about your campus?
Well, if you ask me what’s so best about City West Campus, I’d say ‘everything’. From the 24*7 library to the student lounges, gym and swimming pool, UniSA FM team is determined to provide students with the best campus life experiences.

 

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Every student plays the role of a brand ambassador of UniSA. It is our fundamental duty to embrace the highest value of commitment and integrity and act in a means consistent with the tradition and ethos of UniSA. It is also our fundamental right to sustainably utilize the Uni resources, raise our concerns, and share our experiences.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
Glenelg beach to watch a sunset!

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
DovEagle – I know you must be staring at it, but that is not a typo! It’s a new bird in the evolution stage. DovEagle is a hybrid of Dove and Eagle. Well, I was undertaking a personality type test and it turned out that my dominating traits are that of a Dove and an Eagle.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
I guess its escape time! Ha-ha…
Thanks to Buzzfeed for helping me answer this really hard question. Buzzfeed says I am very similar to ‘Eleven’ from Stranger Things. I do agree with Buzzfeed’s explanation: I’m different from everyone else, sometimes so weird, but that's a good thing. I am an incredibly loyal friend who is willing to do anything for my loved ones. Nothing makes me happier than finding stability and acceptance.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I love to read and listen to music during my extra-time. I love reading Sci-Fi, crime thrillers and autobiographies, and listening to melodious songs. 

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View Lex's board blog posts here

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What are you studying?
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
One of my top values is ‘self-development’. As being proactive in various multicultural mentoring and support programs this year, I love the experience and would like to challenge myself to be a reliable International Student Representative for international students at University of South Australia, which requires many commitments and professional skills. However, I would like to leave my comfort zone to further develop my personal and professional skills and to overcome my fears - talking to many different people with confidence.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
I strongly agree that a rich and multicultural campus experience is important for international students to thrive in a complex world with mental fitness and to develop and strengthen leadership skills such as cultural competence, networking and various transferable skills. Therefore, I aim to bring real change and make life at University of South Australia better for my fellow international students. For example, I would endeavour to advocate for international students’ natural rights and voices. Also, I would work closely with different cultural clubs and relevant organisations to provide various fun multicultural activities and guidance to International Students regarding any issues they might be facing on campus.

 

What’s the best thing about your campus? 
My home campus is Magill. I love having natural environment in surrounding as it can relax my mind, stimulate my creativity process and allow me to connect with our nature during study. 
Moreover, I always go to City West and City East Campus to study. I love all multicultural events happened at City West campus, such as Spiced and G’Day mates – Welcome everyone to join us next year!

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
I will start with my favourite quote from Colin Powell. “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

Throughout your life, you are going to receive someone else’s negative opinion of your life about how you should act, what to do with your life and how to be successful after graduation. Also, you are going to face failure and many stressful moments as well. However, please remember not to get distracted and ask for help no matter when you need it. It is important to be yourself, take care of yourself and maintain your mental fitness. Also, please remember to be grateful to receive any positive feedback from someone who truly wants you to be happy and success. It is because you will still be able to grow and achieve more if you learn from your experience and learn about your strengths, weakness and values.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
My favourite place in Whyalla would be Hummock Hill Lookout because everyone can experience the 360-degree fantastic views of Whyalla city, beach and steelworks from the lookout. This is a fabulous vintage point showing the different side of Whyalla. We can also have a great face-to-face chat or deep talk with friends there. I miss the time with my LEAD friends here!!! LEADONDIANS!!! PINEAPPLES!!!

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
If I were a bird, I would love to be a Peacock. One of the biggest reasons is that my personalities are similar as a peacock type person which is open-minded and talkative. Also, I have great enthusiasm on something I truly value, therefore, I always fill with curiosity, enjoy challenges and able to flexibly adjust with the environment, then act spontaneously with great energy and creativity to further improve the situation.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
It is a challenging question for me because I love watching Japanese anime instead. For English TV drama character, I quite like Robin Scherbatsky from How I Met Your Mother because she has a great sense of humour, allows everyone see her true colors and able to hold her own at basically any social gathering. Also, I love how brave she was that she told off a co-worker when they were being annoying.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would do many awesome volunteer works, which allow me to devote my time and energy to bring the happiness to people and make positive differences within society and the communities. For example, I would learn as much as relevant knowledge and start up an NGO for the vulnerable groups based on their needs.

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View Melinda's board blog posts here

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What are you studying? 
I am currently participating in the Aboriginal Pathways Program.

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I have always been in a leadership role, for as long as I can remember. In previous years, I have designed and facilitated events both for the local community and for my high-school. I thoroughly liked creating and managing these events as I was able to create something that other people enjoyed, which I hope to continue, as a USASA student representative. 

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
I would like to improve student engagement and continue to develop the campuses, so they feel like a safe and comfortable space for all students. I will aim to ease the transition process for students from high-school to university life. 

What’s the best thing about your campus?
The best thing about the City-West campus where I am based is in convenient location in the city and probably the swimming pool inside Pridham Hall

 

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students? 
Never lose sight of what your goals are and complete your assessments before the due date so you can prioritize a proper sleep schedule over completing your assignments in the last-minute. 

Which animal would you back as world leader if the animal kingdom were to rise up and take over?  

Pig because I was born in the Year of the Pig.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
I don’t have a favorite place, but I do enjoy walking in the hills with my friends, where we are able to look down on the city at night.

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
I would most likely be an owl. They’re constantly alert and nocturnal, like me.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
I think I am like Chidi Anagonye from The Good Place. We both dislike doing the wrong thing, we both have strong moral principles and we can both be rather indecisive.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would probably be finishing my assignments and not pulling all-nighters. I would also be catching up on the thousands of shows that I have put on my list that I need to watch.

View Rhys's board blog posts here.

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What are you studying? 
Pharmacy

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I would like to give back to my university community, improve the university experience that my fellow students would have during their study time in our university.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
More vibrant campus, more activities on campus, more support for clubs, strengthens the relationship between domestic students and international students.

 

What have you been watching or listening to recently?
I like watching news and keeping myself up to date with everything around the world.

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students? 
Do enjoy every single moment of your university life, study hard, go out more with friends because you will realise how short your university journey is when you are nearly at the end.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
I like trying new foods with my friends so we keep searching for new places to eat. Norwood is not too bad about foods I guess.

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
If I were a bird, I would like to be a dove. A dove is very simple. It is a symbol of love, peace and messengers. Doves are kind, friendly and easy to be friends with. Doves give you a peaceful feeling and you can find them in many places around the world.

What’s your best tip to de-stress?
Sleep. When you wake up, you will feel fresher, more energetic and it is a new journey.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would like to learn another language, probably Chinese or French because I know the importance of knowing an extra language especially Chinese is spoken very widely in our world.

View Timothy's board blog posts here.

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What are you studying?
Medical imaging

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I want to be more involved in university and become an advocate for students. I wish to make a positive impact and create a challenging and supportive campus culture.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
I aim to host more campus events, support club funding and training, and implement new policies and changes to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students.

 

What’s the best thing about your campus?
I love that people are friendly and welcoming at city east.

 

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Mental and physical wellbeing are keys to successful university life. Please don’t feel shy or refrained from seeking help when you feel overwhelmed. There are always extra ears to listen and hands to help.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
I like to spend time strolling in the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden – just to reconnect with nature and de-stress.

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
Penguin, a bird that can’t fly but can slide!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I’d be working on whatever interests strike me most at that time. I’m quite spontaneous!

View Jenny’s board blog posts here.

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What are you studying?
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours)

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I wanted to become a student rep because I’m driven by a desire to make people’s lives better. I’ve had a great time in my studies at UniSA so far, and I want to make sure everyone else does too.

 

What can you achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
I have three key priorities for 2020:
1) Ensure student services and representation are properly catered for in the academic restructure
2) Give student input into campus redevelopment plans
3) Provide a competently managed and democratic USASA

What’s the best thing about your campus?
Location, location, location. I think City West is at the heart of the west end of the city, with so much great stuff going on around it and it’s only getting better. As investment continues to come to the area, more and more exciting things will be coming our way, which I think is great. 

 

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Get involved outside the classroom. There’s so much more to uni than just your degree and USASA provides so many great opportunities to meet new friends and have a great time. Take advantage of it!

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide?
The riverbank. It’s such a great place to escape the hustle and bustle (such as it is) of the CBD and relax. 

 

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
I’ve been a big supporter of the Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin) in New Zealand bird of the year so I guess that. They communicate by screaming at each everything which is a big mood, I just do that internally.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
I don’t really watch a lot of TV but I did a buzzfeed quiz about which West Wing character are you and got Jed Bartlett so I guess I’ll go with that? I think there’s something about a desire to make the world a better place and doing everything you can to do so while still being pragmatic in your approach that I admire so I hope I’m like that.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
It sounds depressing but probably work more. I already spend any time I’m not doing uni either doing USASA work, stuff for UN Youth or various activist things so I’d just do more of that and hope something good comes out of it. 

 

View Ned's board blog posts here.

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What are you studying?
Bachelor’s of Sociology 

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
This is my second time For this Position. I had great Experience Being a representative, Made good Friends, Held small events on Campus. So for this year I would like to do the same.

What can you achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
Free Food On Campus Through Events,  would continue the Magill Lunch Project, Increase More Club Funding.ETC

What’s the best thing about your campus?
The environment is so Greenery and peaceful.

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?  
Don’t Give Up on your Dreams and to succeed never follow short path.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
Adelaide River Bank

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?   
Owl, Cause I am a very late sleeper

Which TV character are you most like and why?  
Priyanka Chopra, a Bollywood actress now also recognized as international... she is such as inspirational. she has been a voice for many girls.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?    
As I am an international student I don’t get time to call back home so in my free time I like to call them, Watch Netflix..ETC

 

View Arunika’s board blog posts here.
 

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What are you studying?
Master of Engineering [Engineering Management]

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I have constantly had a drive for leadership positions and that is why I competed in the elections. I am associated with the club executive of Women in STEM and I thought it’s time to escalate.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
I look forward to work with my fellow representatives and other board members toward the student’s welfare. I would like to break the bridge between the domestic and international students by introducing events that will create more student engagement, with more food.

 

What’s the best thing about your campus?
The best thing about my campus is its Diverse Nature. Around 4500 students from various cultural backgrounds study in this campus and that is what I like the most about it.

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Try to engage more in student activities, meet new people, network constructively and don’t forget to enjoy. Of course, assignments are important too!

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
Any beach! Before coming here, I heard from someone that we can find a new beach everyday in Australia. Turns out it is true!

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
I would be a Penguin, a flightless bird. I am scared of heights!

Which TV character are you most like and why?
Hands down, Monica Geller from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I can relate a lot with her organizational skills and how she is passionate about what she does.

 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Probably sleep again. Grad lif.

 

View Jay’s board blog posts here.

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What are you studying?
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I’ve been engaged with USASA for the duration of my degree and I say, it does so much! I’ve seen the great initiatives previous student reps have started and their impacts first hand. I have friends who have been reps and have done a brilliant job of it. I guess you could say I was feeling inspired about all this positive change! I just want to help make these wonderful things happen so we can enjoy a more lively UniSA.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?

I want to ensure that student voices are heard in university decisions. I also want to improve the liveliness of my home campus Mawson Lakes and UniSA in general at least in terms of stuff going on. I want to fight for improving student wellbeing services and help make the university a place that students want to be.

What’s the best thing about your campus?
The community. There are so many people to meet, clubs to join and people always seem to be working on something cool. The amount of power plugs is also a bonus but loses out as there never seems to be enough.

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?

Talk to the teaching staff (lecturers, tutors, etc.) – they are here to help. At least in my case they have all been pretty friendly and can help clarify things that may seem ambiguous.
Also, obligatory advice to join student clubs. One of the best things I ever did.

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
I can’t decide! I like Gouger Street for socialising and cheap eats. Mawson Lakes has so many top tier restaurants, particularly the campus cafes and the restaurants on the lake. Shout out to Mount Gambier – Umpherston Sinkhole at dusk, with all the friendly possums. I’ll hopefully visit soon, Whyalla!

 

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
I’d be a lyrebird if I could, being able to mimic most sounds is pretty neat!

Which TV character are you most like and why?
I asked my friends (I don’t watch enough TV) and I’m a mix between Walter O’Brien from Scorpion and Mr. Robot – Willing to do what is right, regardless of the cost. Also prepared for most eventualities and apparently a bit of a walking encyclopedia. Both really smart supposedly! I feel flattered.

 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Make so many games, apps and fun coding projects! I’m always wishing that I had more hours in a day and that would allow me to do so much more. I’d get my assignments done a lot faster as I work better at night. 

View Josh's board blog posts here.

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What are you studying?
Bachelor of Primary Teaching (Honours)

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
My roles as an Academic student representative provided insight into the inequity between regional and metro campuses, particularly when it comes to communication between campuses and resources for students in a regional area.  

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?
o    Further student access to support from tutors and lecturers (based at metro campuses). 
o    Host events which promote engagement, positivity and sense of community on campus. 
o    Provide opportunities for students voices to be heard, especially when it comes to decision-making that effects our regional students. 
o    Represent students through academic advocacy, being a voice for them during meetings. 
o    Provide a safe space for students to seek advice or chat on campus. 

What’s the best thing about your campus?
Access to staff and tutors on campus – allows students to seek support at a more convenient time, as well as being able to develop connections with fellow peers during study times and after class in an open space.

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?
If plan “A” doesn’t work, remember, there are another 25 letters left in the alphabet.  If something doesn’t go your way, don’t give up, there are always other options.  Trust me.

Where is your favourite place to go in Mount Gambier?
Cave Gardens in the center of town.  It’s a peaceful location that I sometimes go to when I need a bit of clarity or just to soak up the rare sunshine that we have in Mount Gambier.

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
Eagle, as they are determined, strong, powerful and driven.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
Olivia Benson (SVU) – She is someone who puts other people before herself.  She is a leader who demonstrates determination, drive and passion for all that she does.  She also cares about the people that she surrounds herself with.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? 
Travel the world (maybe in 80 days 😉)

 

View Lauren’s board blog posts here.
 

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What are you studying?
Bachelor of Primary Education (Honors)

 

What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I enjoy being in a position where I can help make a difference. Supporting others has always come naturally to me, this is because I am a positive and enthusiastic person. My goal is to provide regional students a positive experience while students continue their studies in 2020.

 

What do you aim to achieve for UniSA students in 2020?

• Engage with the students and listen to what changes and improvements they want to see happen at the Whyalla campus. 
• Create events for students to engage with and allows for study breaks.
• Be approachable so students know that they can seek advice from me. 

What’s the best thing about your campus?
I believe that the best aspect to the Whyalla campus would be the small classes. This allows for one on one with the lecturers and students. This also supported me to make friendships with my peers.
 

What's your best piece of advice for your fellow students?

‘Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about’. This was a quote given to me by my very first lecturer, and anytime I felt unsure I referred to this quote.
 

Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide/Whyalla/Mount Gambier?
My favourite place to go in Whyalla is the beach and just watch the waves gently crash. 

 

If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
I would be Tweedy Bird from Looney Tunes, as he is courageous and uses clever thinking to outsmart Silvester.

Which TV character are you most like and why?
I would say I am most like Penny from the ‘Big Bang Theory’ because she is stylish, compassionate, determined and has the occasional ‘blonde moment’. I like to think I have all these traits…even ‘blonde moments.’
 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

If I am honest, I would probably do half a workout and then go on TikTok. 

View Diane's board blog posts here.

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2019 Student Board

2018 Student Board

2017 Student Board