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CAMPUS Issue 9, September 2020
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GAF scholars during our UTAS virtual catch up
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CEO's welcome
As the second half of 2020 rolls on, it is an opportunity to reflect on how we have navigated a time of crisis. The past six months have held many challenges and we hope you are all coping as best you can. It is healthy to stop, check-in and recognise if you are having difficulties. These are tough times, particularly for those of you experiencing extended lockdowns throughout much of Victoria.
During recent virtual scholar events, the GAF team has learnt how our community has coped during this time and we are proud of the resilience and strength each of you has shown. In these meetups we learnt about the healthy habits scholars have embraced during this time. We found these tips and approaches so inspiring that we collated them in a blogpost as a valuable resource to demonstrate our GAF community’s shared wisdom.
The Foundation’s first online professional development offering, the GAF Future Leaders seminar, is now available. This recording of a seminar held in Melbourne this year focuses on empathic leadership, communication, boundary setting, and personal management. These are important skills to develop and strengthen you in your chosen profession and in life more broadly, at any time in your learning journey. I encourage you to make use of this fantastic resource. Sharon Pakir is a dynamic and engaging facilitator and works on the principle that “we become great leaders when we become our best selves.”
We are also happy to announce the winner of the #WheretheGAFareyou? Competition. See the winning entry below and thanks to all those who entered.
Lastly, I would like to emphasise the Foundation’s commitment to be responsive and adaptive to the needs of our community. We understand how difficult this time is and encourage any scholar who needs to pause their studies for the benefit of their health and wellbeing to reach out to their institution. We pride ourselves on being approachable, understanding and encouraging as a funding partner. Life often throws us unexpected challenges and these current circumstances will be impacting many of you in a variety of ways. Do not be concerned at all if you need to seek assistance from your university – we will be as supportive as we possibly can be.
I hope you all take care and stay safe. Good luck with your studies and the rest of 2020. I am already looking forward to a much better 2021!
Craig Connelly
CEO
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Virtual catch ups
Lessons learnt in lockdown
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Each year the GAF team arranges events across Australia to meet commencing and ongoing scholars at our various partner institutions. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, the team has engaged with our scholars virtually, with online meetups through Zoom.
During the meetups, we learnt about challenges facing our community, such as online learning, isolation, disruption of future plans and loss of jobs and opportunities.Our scholars shared the lessons they will take away from this uncertain time, including the importance of healthy mental habits to develop resilience, maintain a sense of wellbeing and emotional strength. Below we have compiled their suggestions for staying happy and healthy.
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Skill up!
GAF Future Leaders
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In February 2020, The George Alexander Foundation invited its scholars, fellows and alumni to attend its first Future Leaders seminar. Presented by Sharon Pakir, the seminar focused on empathic leadership, communication, boundary setting, and personal management. While the event was held in Melbourne, the workshop was recorded and is now available online in two parts.
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#WheretheGAFareyou?
Winner announcement
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We are pleased to announce the winner of the #WheretheGAFareyou? competition is Victoria University scholar Paula Maki.
Paula impressed the GAF team with her photo taken in Torquay while shooting a music video with her band.
Paula's travel tip is: If you are going somewhere far away, make sure you bring activities to stimulate your mind along the way such as books, music and puzzles. There’s nothing worse than being excited about a trip but having your mind turn to mush on the long haul, taking all the zest out of you.
Thank you to all those who entered, we loved seeing what you are up to and will be sharing your photos and travel tips in the coming weeks on Instagram.
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Spotlight on...
Checking in with our community
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RMIT | Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)
Stirling
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RMIT scholar Stirling shared how he is keeping healthy during Melbourne's stage 4 lockdown and his experience working in the army reserves.
"Working for the army reserve during the pandemic has been a thoroughly rewarding experience, it has allowed me to give back to my community in a challenging time for a lot of people."
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ANU | Bachelor of International Security Studies/Bachelor of Arts
Simone
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ANU scholar Simone was on exchange in Switzerland when COVID-19 reached pandemic levels. Simone tells us about her time in Switzerland, her life at ANU and the career goals she is working towards.
"One of the best parts of returning to Canberra was reuniting with my friends and the ANU community. I am trying to stay focused on my studies and remain optimistic about the future."
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