- Phoebe Belford
- Bachelor of Science
- UNE Student Council online representative
What are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Science. I am about one third of the way through at the moment and studying online.
What is the UNE Student Council and what does your role entail?
The UNESC is a group of diverse, elected students who work collaboratively to represent the students of the University. We become a bridge between the student body and the university administration. I am thrilled to have been voted as a representative for the online students and am really looking forward to getting to know more of the UNE community while in this role.
Would you recommend students be involved with the UNE Council? If so, why?
Of course! I had an aunt tell me once that time is the currency of life, and to spend it wisely. While sometimes it might feel like we are at university forever (especially in exam time), it can also feel like it goes very fast. We would love to connect with as many students as possible and work together to ensure the student experience at UNE is one that is looked back on fondly.
What is your background and what brought you to study at UNE?
I remember when I was a little girl, going to visit my grandfather who was working in chemistry at UNE. He showed me his office, and then took me to the natural history museum (which looked a little different in the 90s than it does now). I think I always felt connected to UNE, and I think I was always going to eventually end up studying Science. It’s great being able to see those same places now when I visit for things like intensives.
What would you like to do after your studies?
I am one of those people that loves to collect knowledge and information and explore different areas, so I know if I guess where I will end up, I will probably be wrong and end up in an entirely different area of science. At the moment I am quite interested in bioinformatics.
What have been your biggest achievements and challenges in your study journey so far? Who/what has helped you along the way?
I honestly feel like every assignment I have submitted, every exam I’ve finished and every lecture I’ve watched have been an achievement. I have 5 kids, a few of them are on NDIS and have a bunch of different appointments I’m always busy scheduling and driving between, so studying at UNE online has been difficult to fit in at times, but lets me think about topics beyond Baby Shark, and feel like I am really achieving something.
What has been your favourite unit so far?
I really enjoyed STAT100. I found it consistently interesting, and often use what I learnt in STAT100 to present my data in other units I’ve done since.
What have you learnt about yourself through university?
That you don’t need to be left brain OR right brain, logical OR creative, you can be (and probably are) a combination of both. You can love learning about cells, and love creating art, you can have a favorite element and have a favorite Broadway show. I wasn’t aware of how long I was ignoring that I enjoyed math and science, because I had just accepted that I was an arty person. It was an unconscious rule I’d accepted that coming to UNE and doing different units helped me to identify and move past.
Do you study around hobbies, family commitments, sport, volunteering etc?
I love to stay busy. I volunteer running a local playgroup my kids go to for a couple of hours every week. I have recently been taking a break from Roller Derby after hurting my knee but am excited to go back when I can. I spend most Saturdays driving kids between sports, and if I ever find myself up to date on assignments, with no kid appointments or commitments, I love to pop to town and see if I can find any uranium glass in any of the op shops. My sister-in-law loves to tease me for always carrying a UV torch in my handbag.
Is there any advice you might give to other uni students, or advice you would give to your younger self?
Ask the questions you want to ask.
If you are unsure, chances are someone else is unsure too. I always start with checking forums to see if the question has been answered already.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am really looking forward to getting to connect with more of the students studying at UNE. Feel free to reach out to me whenever.
