September 14, 2023
Meet UOW's Sydney Business School student, JinJing Lei
JingJing Lei (Amy) just started her study in this Trimester 1 at the University of Wollongong. As a new student, she shares her journey of enrolling in her course, academic challenges, and benefits of participating various events and workshops within and outside of campus.
Preparation is the key
Amy, she revealed benefit of meticulous preparation and her proactive approach to seeking guidance from experts. She emphasised the importance of feeling well-informed and prepared, citing her campus tour as an example of this approach. Even before enrolling in her current course, Amy made it a point to explore the campus, ensuring she was familiar with her academic environment.
Furthermore, Amy's commitment to academic excellence was evident in her active participation in various academic workshops. She had already engaged in workshops organised by the library, academic/learning development co-op, and peer academic coaches.
“While I did write a thesis for my bachelor's degree, I still consider myself relatively inexperienced when it comes to writing assessments up to academic standards, especially in English. It feels like I'm starting from scratch, especially since it's been a while since I completed my undergraduate. Therefore, I attended workshops to gain a fundamental understanding of academic writing, requirements, and what lecturers expect for different types of assessments” she claims.
Engage in events
Amy is enthusiastic to meet new people, engaging in various events within and outside of campus. “I'm a firm believer in socialising and networking with others. In my past experiences, networking events have even led me to job opportunities. I've noticed that some students don't take advantage of the events and workshops fully, possibly because they are in a hurry to enter the job market. However, I believe it's essential to prepare ourselves, understand job interview expectations, and expand our horizons. “In Week 3, I attended the Meet and Greet BBQ Lunch, which has been my favourite event thus far” as she answered when I asked her favourite event she participated. She continues “It provided an opportunity to meet my Director of Academic Program (DAP), interact with other academic staff, and connect with fellow students. It was the largest event I've seen at the campus, and the overall vibe and camaraderie that day were fantastic”.
Full excitement for the future
When asked about her recent achievements, Amy responded with humility, stating that there wasn't much she considered worth celebrating. However, she emphasized her life philosophy of embracing the present moment and enjoying life to the fullest. Despite this carefree outlook, her unwavering dedication remains directed toward her academic pursuits.
Amy's primary focus revolves around her studies and extracting the maximum value from her educational journey. She firmly stated, "As a student, I prioritize both my studies and campus life." This shared perspective underscores the long-term benefits of such an approach, aligning with our belief that investing in education and campus life today will yield substantial rewards in the future.