Meet the Student Wellbeing Ambassadors

The Student Wellbeing Ambassador programme empowers the sharing of wellbeing messages with fellow students on issues ranging from bullying, harassment, and discrimination; challenging power dynamics and inequities; support service information, free access to health service and self-care.

These students are active members of the Student Wellbeing team, offering insight and a student voice into the implementation of projects and initiatives, as well as delivering messages and trainings to others, and connecting with student groups across campus. 

From the Ambassadors themselves:

L-R: Henry, Shivani and Rowena

What has been the biggest difference from online to in-person ‘facilitating’ this year?

Tamika: There are many differences between online and in-person facilitating. Whether it’s competing with technology or learning to embrace awkward silences. But for me the biggest difference was having the opportunity to genuinely engage and build rapport with the attendees.

Emily: The biggest difference I have noticed is the connections I have made with people. I am very chatty and love meeting new people. I love bringing groups of people together, allowing people who otherwise would not have met each other, to connect. You can’t do this over zoom. Often someone’s internet cuts out, the screen buffers and people talk over each other, or people get more easily distracted by their own environment. In person, we are all able to bring out entire authentic selves to the table, fostering deeper, genuine connections.

Sometimes you have to put yourself first and there are services which can provide you with the resources needed to succeed and work around that self-care time.

What have you learnt starting in this role? 

Evangeline: Since starting my role, I have learned that not only did I know nothing about the behind the scenes work that goes on to create the events that the University runs, but also that the University has heaps of services that actually help students who need a little extra support – especially during times when course work starts to pile up and you’re not sure what to do. I now know that there are services such as Campus Care, that understand that sometimes uni is a bit much and that a large reason why people fall behind is because they take time to take care of themselves (what I like to call a “mental health” day/week/month). The University understands that sometimes you have to put yourself first and there are services which can provide you with the resources needed to succeed and work around that self-care time, if you simply just tell them what you need and why. I am just really happy that I am now able to be more helpful to my friends who might be struggling, but I can also help the student body as a whole!

Rowena: I always thought I knew the importance of wellbeing and promoting an environment for positive flourishing has always interested me. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in a wide range of opportunities available as a Wellbeing Ambassador, ranging from drug checking to sexual health clinics. Through my role, I’ve been able to learn further about how broad the spectrum of wellbeing can be, as well as the importance of these different factors working together to influence wellbeing. Being involved in University student engagement has also given me the opportunity to learn about the variety of support services that the University offers, and I’m glad I can now share that with others!