DUELI Journey (FEB 2023 - AUG 2024)
I still remember packing my bags to fly to Australia, thinking about this new life ahead. I had so many fears that made me reconsider my decision to leave my country for higher education. Today, as I write this, I want to share how I turned my fears into strengths and challenges into opportunities.
I come from Sri Lanka, a beautiful tropical island nation, specifically from Negombo, a coastal area on this small island. Growing up, I realised the significance of learning English. However, the reality back then was challenging. There weren’t many English resources available, and speaking it could lead to mockery or being labelled as “posh.” At that time, English was not a skill that connected people; it was a measure of intelligence or social status. Fortunately, Sri Lanka has made progress since then. Despite these challenges, I was determined to learn English, but my fears often outweighed my desire.
During my undergraduate studies, I frequently questioned my decision to study in Sinhala, my native language. People often assumed I was an English medium student because of my academic performance, which further proved that language ability is not a measure of intelligence. My secret was my love for reading; I would spend hours reading, even if I did not understand half of the text, but I persisted.
So, as I packed my bags to come here, fears overwhelmed me: Could I handle everything in English? How would I perform? Would I be judged for my mistakes? How would I understand complex ideas and theories? Would I succeed? I took a deep breath and came to Australia. Looking back, it was one of the most difficult yet best decisions I’ve made. I started with the ELICOS program at Deakin English Language, enrolling in the English Language for Academic Purposes Level 4 program. I still remember the first day of orientation and the staff’s advice: “seek help” and “practise English.” These two were my lifelines during my studies at Deakin, even after I finished at DUELI and began my PhD.
DUELI opened my eyes to a new world for several reasons. First, it provided a comfortable and safe space to make mistakes and learn from them without being judged. Second, there were ample resources and services that allowed me to become an independent learner. Additionally, DUELI fosters a community with a shared goal of learning English. Third, DUELI wasn’t limited to studies; it encouraged students to learn about diverse cultures, be creative, pursue passions, and develop other skills. Weekly lunch break activities allowed us to take a break from studies, engage in something we love, or learn something new. I participated in cultural activities and games that helped me practise English and connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Eventually, my fear of learning and practising English vanished, and I embraced it as a strength essential for my studies, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Another chapter at Deakin began when I started my PhD during the pandemic, a challenging time both personally and professionally. This period made me look inward and understand the importance of mental health. My experiences during this time inspired me to support the community in terms of mental health and well-being. I explored two options to give back: becoming a student leader and using online platforms to raise awareness. I pursued both. After two attempts, I was accepted into the DUELI leadership program, becoming a student leader at DUELI. During this time, I volunteered at both the university and state levels, contributing to the international student community.
Becoming a DUELI student leader was a milestone in my leadership journey. It was a unique opportunity to learn more about myself and my capabilities. Although I knew I could speak English, public speaking was another skill I needed to develop. I remember the first time I gave a speech at orientation as a student leader. The night before, I prepared and memorised every bit of it, feeling nervous about speaking in front of so many students. But after that first speech, there was no going back—I became unstoppable. The fear and anxiety dissipated, and I grew more confident in public speaking.
Now, every time I stand in front of DUELI students with a mic, I take a few minutes to share my experiences as a volunteer leader. I share my failures and learnings because I know how much this impacts students trying to learn English. I want to assure them that the learning curve has ups and downs, it is not a straight line, but they have the capability to become confident and skilled English learners. I want them to know they are not alone on this journey.
Secondly, I became more empathetic, and this experience enhanced my cultural understanding. My role as a student leader required regular interaction with students from diverse educational, cultural, and gender backgrounds. I realised the importance of emotional intelligence in my daily interactions. Whether it was orientation, campus tours, university transition programs, or lunch break activities, I took the time to learn about the community I was interacting with. I tried to understand their backgrounds, needs, and challenges so I could provide effective support.
One of the best aspects of the program is the freedom to pursue activities we’re passionate about. I’m passionate about supporting students in overcoming challenges related to mental health, studies, and careers. I’m also passionate about content creation and the performing arts. I combined all three when planning activities with students. I introduced innovative activities such as dance and movement therapy, nature therapy, drama and theatre for relaxation, cultural dance workshops, a cultural cooking masterclass, and fractal art for stress reduction and focus. Additionally, I was involved in organising university transition programs, the DUELI anniversary celebration, the cultural fashion show, nature walks, and student leader training. I also create content for DUELI Club's social media, utilising my creative skills in video editing and photography.
My leadership experience at DUELI has spanned nearly a year and a half, during which I’ve contributed, made an impact, and grown immensely. I have shared my knowledge, experiences, and skills with many students. I have constantly learned and improved through real-life experiences. I’ve assisted students facing challenges in their studies, prepared them for diverse challenges, and advocated for mental health awareness. I have worked creatively with my teammates and manager to create a positive learning environment for DUELI students.
I am grateful to the DUELI staff, especially my manager, for providing me with this platform and guiding me throughout this journey. Without their kind support and trust in my abilities, I would not be the leader I am today. I highly recommend and share this leadership experience because I know how much I’ve learned and how rewarding it is. This is a chance for anyone to make a positive impact on someone’s life by contributing in their own unique way.
Nature Therapy Program:
Aimed at promoting mindfulness, stress reduction, and fostering a connection with nature.
Outcomes/ Impact
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Students successfully identified and expressed their thoughts and emotions.
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Engaged in mindful nature connection by listening to natural sounds.
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Practiced English and empathy throughout the session.
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Acquired skills in utilizing nature as a tool for stress management and mindfulness practice.
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Cultural Dance/Movement Therapy
This therapy focuses on enhancing fitness, exploring different cultures through art, and promoting relaxation.
Outcomes / Impact
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Relaxation and stress reduction
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Acquiring dance skills and understanding various cultures
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Boosting confidence and connecting with a community passionate about arts and dance
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Engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices through dance.
Drama and Theatre Activities
This program aimed at helping students to learn and develop drama and theatre skills in handling stress, communicate feelings and relaxation.
Outcomes / Impact
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Relaxation and stress reduction
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Acquiring mental health coping skills and understanding own feelings through drama and theatre exercise.
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Improving team work and communication skills.
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Engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices through movement and exercises.
Cultural Cooking Program
Explore diverse cultures through culinary experiences with this program.
Outcomes /Impact
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Enhancing cooking skills
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Discovering cultural cuisines
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Developing relaxation and teamwork skills.
Fractal Art for Relaxation
Aimed at utilising fractal art screening to enhance concentration and mindfulness
Outcomes/ Impact
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Enhancing concentration and relaxation.
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Appreciating art.
