This is the last of a three-part blog takeover series on the Resident Assistant (RA) Exchange Programme (RAEP). The RAEP was first launched in Sept 2014, with an aim to provide overseas exchange opportunities for deserving RAs, in a residential context. Selected RAs are expected to give back to their community in the form of large-scale residential projects upon return from the week-long programme. The inaugural run in Sept 2014 kicked off in the City University of Hong Kong. In Sept 2015, the programme established a new exchange partner, La Trobe University, in Melbourne, Australia. The programme took place from 21 to 27 September 2015.
Hey mate! My name is Andy, and I’m a Resident Assistant at Prince George’s Park Residence 4.
As you know, recently I had an amazing opportunity to visit La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia on a learning journey thanks to the RA Exchange Programme. I’m going to try and share this fascinating one-week exchange adventure with you, in one blogpost! Difficult, but I will try.
The culture enthusiast in me
A culture enthusiast by nature, I am always keen to have a conversation about different cultures and values. As such, I have always wanted to be a part of an exchange programme to experience a different culture and background. I feel that going on an exchange programme gives one an opportunity to see old things through new eyes. Also, being an RA has helped me grow immeasurably as a person. I loved devoting myself to the residents and catering to their needs, more than I’ve imagined.
It is because of this dual-love for cultural exchange and my passion for serving the residents, that drew me to the golden opportunity that was RAEP. I strongly believed that RAEP would serve as the perfect platform for me to learn and implement programs that will make PGP and Residence 4 a much more engaging and fun place to live in.
On my mind
The week-long journey was full of so many exciting and memorable learning moments that choosing just one would not do any justice to others. From attending RA meetings with RA Jackson and the team, to Health and Wellbeing discussions with La Trobe’s Health and Wellbeing coordinator, Ali, and from having my caricature drawn at ‘Everything is Awesome’ (only a super-cool food truck event), to the AACUHO Networking event we were so lucky to be part of…
Each day of the week brought us innumerable surprises and interesting insights. I personally loved the campus tour with Residential Services Officer, Denise Skeller. Through the tour, we got the opportunity to explore the 3 residential colleges in La Trobe – Glenn, Menzies and Chisholm. Believe it or not, I really felt like I belonged, as I walked through the hallways and exchanged the occasional “cheers mate!” with the residents. (Ahem whether or not I actually knew them or not is not up for discussion here.) Check out their hallways!
Another memorable moment for me was the breakfast and dinner sessions at the dining area in Glenn College. Not only because the food was delicious, but what really struck me was that no one was holding their phone in the dining area. It is a stark difference from NUS! Maybe it’s an Asian thing to want to take selfies even when eating… I’m also accustomed to hearing continuous WhatsApp notification sounds while dining with friends. Over here, the air is filled with shrills of laughter instead of Whatsapp notifications. Yet another reminder to live in the present, and not in cyberspace.
I was also fortunate enough to have attended a lecture with one of their top students, Josh Millward, who shared with me about the learning culture in La Trobe University. And then there was Jerrica, a Malaysian who grew up in Thailand, but came to Melbourne to study – we met her at a yoga session. Meeting true global citizens like Jerrica really inspires you about life. Here’s all of us at the yoga session!
In summary
There’s too much to share and one blogpost is definitely not enough. If you’re reading this, and would like to hear more, please contact me (via commenting on this blogpost, or on Facebook at Anmol Andy Jain) and I’m all ready to share my 9GB worth of photos with you. I’m excited to begin working on my ideas to improve the residential community – so y’all will be hearing from me very soon!
Just before I sign off this blog takeover, there are a few people I need to thank:
- The first Aussie I interacted with, who was the cook who served us yummy hash browns and pasta on Day One! (So sorry, I couldn’t catch your name :()
- Bell, Kain Lu, Pauline and Hong for being such great companions throughout the trip. Whether it was the long drive down the Great Ocean Road, our mutual affection for Taylor Swift songs, or just me being plain possessive of my Bollywood-esque shades. We’ve created precious memories together, and truly defined what Residential Life believes in – Better Together!
