Monty Merchant: The Returning Fossil (but make it cool)
Hey, I’m Monty! I’m officially back as your Senior Student Storyteller for 2026!
Somehow, I’ve levelled up from being “just another face in the reel” to now guiding this incredible duo… though between us, they’re usually the ones sending me the latest trends and teaching me what’s actually cool. I like to think I bring the experience; they bring the speed. I occasionally feel like a fossil but I’m a very enthusiastic fossil.
I’m currently in my last semester of a Master’s in Sport Management and if there’s one thing I love, it’s diving deep into uni life (sometimes literally – shoutout to Dive La Trobe). I’ve lived on campus, volunteered across programs, worked with Student Communications, and probably spent too much time admiring the ducks at Simpson Lawn.
Coming back in a senior capacity feels special. I’m excited to guide Peyton and Niharika, share what I’ve learned about storytelling and campus life and honestly, learn from them too. That’s the best part of this role: it’s never one-way.
A massive thank you to Giacinta, who constantly pushes me to sharpen my ideas and always gives feedback that makes me better, and to Melia, who has genuinely been my workplace mentor at La Trobe — always patient, always encouraging, always ready to listen.
Here’s to another semester of stories, laughs, and making campus feel a little more like home.
Peyton Rielley: Queen Social Butterfly
Hey, I’m Peyton. I’m one of the new MyLatrobe Storytellers for semester one for 2026. I’m a first year student studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications. It’s a bit of a mouthful but in short it means I like to talk to people. I’m from the southwest of WA, where the beaches are beautiful and the weather is rather warm. I love building connections with others, I’ve found that it makes new experiences less daunting. Building relationships with others has helped me stay connected with people from all different aspects of my life. I love connecting with people over sport and food. Socializing and creating a community with others is something that has grown to be a big part of who I am. I also love all things sport related, I love watching it, I love coaching it and playing it and I love being a part of it. Sport has presented me with so many opportunities to thrive and succeed in high pressure environments. It’s taught me how to lead, communicate effectively, foster relationships and build a community. I’ll always be thankful for the family sport has given me and continues to give me. I hope to continue my passion for sport throughout uni. If you see me around campus, say hey I’m always happy to chat.
This year, I’m hoping to try new things and see how big my comfort zone really is, meet new people and enjoy every opportunity I get to experience.
Niharika Malviya : Professional Yes-Sayer, Full-Time Seeker
Hi, I’m Niharika and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Business Analytics at La Trobe University. On paper, that sounds structured and analytical and it is but outside the classroom, my university journey has been mostly experimental.
I moved to Australia as an international student and began my life at La Trobe in student accommodation, learning how to balance independence, shared kitchens, and the quiet courage it takes to start over somewhere new. Those early days were equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Trying to navigate new systems, new friendships, and occasionally pretending I knew exactly where I was going on campus (I didn’t).
I didn’t arrive with a perfectly mapped-out plan. Instead, I became what I like to call a “seeker.” I said yes to new experiences, yes to stepping slightly outside my comfort zone, and yes to exploring parts of campus I hadn’t noticed before. Somewhere between late-night walks around Chisholm Lake, stargazing at the amphitheatre with good music, dancing around uni, and filming spontaneous reels just for fun, I realised I genuinely enjoy trying new things. I love connecting with people over shared interests of food, long conversations, creative ideas, or random plans that start with “why not?”
As your Student Storyteller, I hope to create content that reflects our journey. I want fellow students to feel heard, seen, and genuinely communicated with. If you’re still exploring too, WELCOME: I’m right there with you.