Our Experiences And Our Video

Humans of Macquarie has been an incredible community engagement piece for us editors over the past few weeks here at Macquarie. To everyone that has helped contribute, we'd like to thank you for your support. This blog has challenged us to get out of our comfort zone and find out what we can about the wonderful community that Macquarie has fostered for many years.
We hope that this blog has given the readers and insight into the many faces of Macquarie, the backgrounds, the motivations, the inspirations and the ideas that make Macquarie such a unique learning environment.

This video will hopefully give you more of an insight into the journey so far, and what's next for the Humans of Macquarie Blog:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWTz66hV3hk

Meet Claudia

Claudia is in her final year of her undergraduate degree at Macquarie. Her next plan is to complete the Bachelor of Psychology - Honours program. A bright young student, with ambitions that to contribute to the future of human science.
Claudia told me that one of the toughest things about university has been a work-life balance. "How do you manage to keep up with social life, work and still maintain the grades for such a high demanding program"

She told me some wise words "love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life. I surround myself with positive energy and give myself a reason to work"

Claudia has been a good friend of mine, since my introduction to university and has been there to motivate me through all of my time at Macquarie. More than a study partner, she is one of my closest friends and could not think of a better candidate for my last interview.

The lighting was dark when this was taken so I was unable to get an up to date photo, but this was a photo that I have from last years Conception Day celebrations with her boyfriend Nathan.

Will

Had a chat with members of the W.A.N.G club

W.A.N.G. stands for "We All Need Grub"

Every two weeks, these guys host a barbecue outside the Macquarie Student building, and all members of their society are allowed to take part in an all you can eat sausage sizzle. Membership fees go towards the various events and parties that they throw, as well as the barbecues of course. These guys are by the university, for the university and have fed hungry teachers and students for years now - and hopefully for many more.

I didn't get a chance to have an individual interview but I was able to get a snap of these guys. Mind you it was a little hard to work the camera with a sausage sandwich in one hand :)

Will

Meet Bec!

Rebecca Pearse is studying a Bachelor of Arts (media culture & communication) with Bachelor of Commerce (marketing). Her goals are to be successful and happy with a great job, family, stable home and able to travel. "I want to be happy and have enough money to live without stress or worry, be close with my family, marry and have kids". 

Her favourite quote is: "be yourself, everyone else is already taken" - Oscar Wilde

I grew up with Bec. We went to the same primary school years kindergarten - 6th and to the same high school in year 7 before I moved to America. I was leaving my ISYS lecture when she messaged me saying "Hey I think I just sat behind you in ISYS!". It's funny how life works and how you're paths can cross even years after not seeing someone. Especially with childhood friends, since so much can change between the ages of 12 and 19.

-Danielle xx

Meet Monica

We caught Monica on her way to class today.
Monica is studying her masters in environmental geography specifically in urban planning and told us of her plans to lead improve public transport here in Sydney

"Sydney is a wonderful place to live but it shows us the public transport system has room for improvement. No one likes being stuck in traffic"

We wish her the best of luck, her help couldn't come soon enough (said from the perspective of someone that catches two buses and a train to get into university)

Will

Meet Adam Ghanem!

Adam Ghanem

"I'm currently studying Bachelor of IT in games, design, and development, but dreading it and hoping to switch to a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Law, or a Bachelor of Speech Sound and Therapy. My long term goal is to be successful in the future and ensure that my family and close friends are successful too. My hopes and dreams include to meet the entire Chelsea team because I'm a diehard football fan and they're the team I support! I want to own a nice car and a nice house and ensure that my future wife is satisfied with her life and to repay my mum as much as I can with all that she has done for me."

Favorite Quote: "We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained it, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." -Abraham Lincoln

-Danielle xx

Barathan from Africa:)

After living seven years in Sri Lanka and fourteen years in Blantyre, Malawi; I have started my varsity journey at Macquarie University in Sydney pursuing a Bachelors commerce degree. After three years in Sydney I have come to enjoy the city life; while juggling my varsity commitments.

"By living alone and by myself I have come to realise that living simply, dreaming big, being grateful for what I have while enjoying nature and having fun are the important things necessary for a healthy life." Barathan Inpabalan.
-Hashan Jay