Student profiles
Tinkip Zahau
Tinkip was born in Burma and completed a Bachelor of Art and Religious Studies before he arrived in Australia in February 2009. He was really interested in business and working in the corporate world, so he enrolled in a Bachelor of Accounting degree at La Trobe University in June 2009 to increase his job opportunities. During the summer vacation break in 2011 Tinkip had a paid work placement with Ernst and Young Accounting firm, and the firm was so pleased with his work that they offered him a job once he completed his Bachelor degree.
Tinkip’s message to other students who have a refugee background is to make sure they find out about all the support programs that are there to help them, and make use of those support programs. Now that he has completed his degree, he hopes to inspire other people from his community to go to university and pursue a higher education.
'I really liked a lot of things about La Trobe' says Tinkip. 'It’s like a really big family. The campus feels great and the support networks and student clubs are really good. The support I received from the Equality and Diversity Centre helped me greatly – it would have been really hard without their support, and the scholarship I received. I am really grateful for all the academic and financial support I received from all areas of the university. Thank you very much!'
Bosco Alex
Bosco Alex was born in South Sudan and arrived in Australia in 2001. In 2008 Bosco enrolled at La Trobe University in the Bachelor of Health Sciences, and specialised in the area of Public Health. 'I wanted to work in the community health field and I was aware that there were not many young African males working in this field, so I thought it would be good to get qualified to do that sort of work' said Bosco. He completed his degree at the end of 2012 and now looks forward to a career promoting better health practices, which he sees as an important aspect of community development.Bosco chose La Trobe University because he had checked out a few universities before he applied, and he found that La Trobe had a very good reputation, particularly in the Health Sciences.
'I did not realise how difficult a university course would be, as I did not have a consistent education before I enrolled at La Trobe. But I really enjoyed studying, because it was a pathway to develop and empower myself and be a role model for others in the community' Bosco said.
'The support program for students with a refugee background helped me a lot' Bosco added. 'The staff helped me to sort out some problems with Centrelink, and I was given a laptop which made it easier for me to complete my assignments and to access my course information. I also got a residential scholarship during my last year of uni. This was really good because it meant I could live on campus, and I did not have to pay for my accommodation.'
Bosco’s message to others who are wondering about university study is 'Know yourself and what you want to achieve from a course. Also seek guidance from people who are already working in jobs you are interested in. Be prepared for a challenge – you must apply yourself and overcome any difficulties, and you need to surround yourself with the right type of people. I found my teachers and my peers were able to give me help and advice when I needed it.'
Nai Zing Hang
Nai was born in Burma and completed a Bachelor of Art and Religious Studies before she arrived in Australia in February 2009. While she lived in Burma, Nai had assisted her cousin and some other women who had disabilities to make handicrafts which they could sell to make a living. She realised that she was good at helping others and that she enjoyed this work, so she enrolled in a Bachelor of International Development at La Trobe University in June 2009.
Nai loved the cultural diversity at La Trobe. ‘There are so many people from different backgrounds and we all got along well and shared different things about our backgrounds’ says Nai. When she registered with the Equality and Diversity Centre’s support program, Nai mentioned that she was having trouble understanding everything she was reading, and she was referred to the Academic Language and Learning Unit for help with her English skills. ‘They were great and helped me a lot, and they were very generous with their time’ says Nai.
Nai completed her Bachelor of International Development in June 2012 and plans to find work with a non-government organisation (NGO) in a developing country. While she was studying Nai did some voluntary work with a group called ‘Seven Women’ which funds a Women Centre in Nepal. The Nepalese women make lots of felt items, like children’s toys, and send them to Australia, for sale at the La Trobe Campus and at local markets in Melbourne. The funds raised are then sent back to Nepal.
Nai’s message to other people with a refugee background who are thinking about going to university is not to give up, even if it feels too hard at the beginning. She adds that it’s important to find out about and use all of the available support programs, and the Equality and Diversity Centre can help with this. Overall, Nai says La Trobe has been a really great learning environment. ‘I have learnt lots of life skills and well as academic skills. Thank you to everybody who has helped me’ says Nai.
Tila Guragai
After doing a bridging program at the Albury/Wodonga campus of La Trobe University, Tila enrolled in a Bachelor of Information and Technology at La Trobe University, Bendigo. ‘I have a great passion and interest in Information Technology,’ Tila said. ‘I love challenges and wanted a non-boring career. In the field of Information Technology, there are always new things to learn and it opens doors to a new world. I'm continually interested in what I'm doing.’
Tila notes that the most important thing to him is studying in a friendly and comfortable environment. ‘I really appreciate the La Trobe staff as they are very friendly, approachable and helpful. They are always there whenever you need assistance with your work.’
Tila says that the refugee support program has assisted him in a number of ways. ‘I got an on-campus accommodation scholarship which made a considerable difference to my basic living. Living on campus has also been the best way for me to settle in and make new friends.’ Tila said that the support program has also given him an opportunity to share his story, obtain financial advice and access counselling with regard to his course and study. ‘The support program has made a positive difference on my ability to study.’
When Tila finishes his degree, he believes he will have a wide variety of career opportunities. He is hoping to obtain a job in his primary area of interest, which is web design and development.
Tila suggests that if you are really interested in increasing your skills and knowledge, university is the place to be. He advises potential students that if you are willing to work hard, then no matter what your background is, you will perform well at university. ‘Here at University,’ he says, ‘students and staff care about each other and treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of their backgrounds.’
