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ExchangeThe Off Campus Student Connection
Semester 1 2014, Issue 1
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1 From the Editor
2 O-Week Checklist
3 Unit Review
4 Meet Allie Golotta
6 Creative Writing
7 Studying with Preschoolers
9 New Beginnings
10 Taking a break in Hosier Lane
11 A new breed of rescue dog
13 Play me, Im yours
14 Semester One Key Dates
Disclaimer: Opinions in articles do not reflect the thoughts and
opinions of MUGSU, Federation University or Monash University as a
whole. eXchange Magazine accepts zero responsibility for any
offense a reader may take to any and all material presented in any
eXchange publication. No original material in this publication may
be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from
the original contributor.
Useful for first-year students
By Tanya Bird & Jo Harries
By Tanya Bird
By Alanah Andrews
Creative Writing by Karolina Stypa
Photography by Karolina Stypa
By Tanya Bird
Photography by Karolina Stypa
INSI
DE T
HIS
ISSU
E
By Alexandra Golotta
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WELCOME to the first issue of Exchange, the Off Campus
Connection. Hopefully it will be the first of many!
Exchange was born from two desires. The desire for students to
have a place to express themselves and see their work, whether
creative or journalistic, published for all to see. The second was
the need for off campus students to have a place to connect. As the
Off Campus Vice President for our Student Union, MUGSU, I realised
that I finally had a chance to answer these requests. And so, with
the help of some dedicated students, Exchange was created.
Exchange publication is 100% student run by off campus students
at Monash Gippsland / Federation University. In this issue you will
read articles submitted by students, meet off campus student Allie
Golotta, browse some unit reviews, and find an array of creative
writing and photography. If you are interested in submitting your
work for the next issue (no you dont need to be a journalism
student) please email me at [email protected].
I hope you enjoy this issue,
Alanah
Exchange 1
A l e x a n d r a G o l o t t a A l a n a h A n d r e w s T a n
y a B i r d K a r o l i n a S t y p a J o a n n e H a r r i e sOff
Campus Professional Communications Student
Off Campus Professional Communications Student
Off Campus Communications Student
Off Campus Student Off Campus Community Welfare Student
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Partying, drinking, meeting your lecturers, making new
friends.... O-Week for Off Campus students is a little different!
However, it is still an important week of semester, especially for
first-year students.
2
O-WEEK CHECKLIST
Access student emails
Need help? Call ICT on - Phone: (03) 5327 9999
Check that you have enrolled in all required units
Need help? Fed Uni students go here:
http://federation.edu.au/students/getting-started-at-feduni/enrolmentMonash
students go here: http://www.monash.edu.au/enrolments/
Purchase / source all required resources
Texts can be bought from the University bookshop or check out
the MUGSU Marketplace on Facebook
Access the moodle website for your units
Why not pop on and start an introductions thread
Check out the library
Many books are accessible online, and the rest can be posted out
to you. Go to the library website
Referencing - Check out the how to guides on the library
website
https://federation.edu.au/library/assignment-and-research-help
the off campus student facebook page
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UNIT REVIEWFeature WritingCode: ATS1331Level:
UndergraduateFaculty: Faculty of ArtsOffered: Second Semester,
2014Handbook:
http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/units/ATS1331.html
Reviewed by Tanya Bird
This unit builds on the basic feature writing concepts that are
introduced in semester one. Students are provided with the
opportunity to advance their writing, researching and reporting
skills as they experiment with different feature writing styles.
While students are taught current workplace practices and
principles, they also develop an awareness of how contemporary
issues (even seemingly dry ones) can be humanised and made
accessible to audiences.
The required readings for the unit were helpful, clear and
interesting. There was one particular feature story that I read
which still makes me tear up when I think about it, so be prepared
to discover the power of word choice. Many of the writing skills
learned throughout the semester can be applied to any form of
writing. Try to absorb the extras included in the lectures and you
will finish it a much better writer.
Off campus students do not have tutorials and this can be a
disadvan-tage for workshopping of assessments and access to your
tutor. To com-pensate for this, students need to utilise Moodle as
much as possible. Ask questions, share story ideas, post your
storys lead, and engage with other students the same way you would
in a classroom.
Happy writing.
Introduction to Indigenous Australian StudiesCode: ATS1251Level:
UndergraduateFaculty: Faculty of ArtsOffered: First Semester,
2014Handbook:
http://www.monash.edu/pubs/2014handbooks/units/ATS1251.html
Reviewed by Jo Harries
As a student I entered this unit with a limited but curious
perspective of Aboriginal Australia. Consequently, my interest in
the spirituality, identity and history of these peoples aided my
academic approach to this unit and the exploration of Australian
history through their visual lens.
Lecturers used a diverse range of source materials. This
extended from library-obtained articles, text readings, Newspaper,
YouTube presentations assisted in increasing my small knowledge of
Indigenous Australians and their cultures. Consequently, I was
challenged in my approach and misrepresentation held towards our
Indigenous peoples.
As a result of a plethora of information expressed in this unit,
it was important to keep up-to-date with weekly requirements as for
all units. Questions and discussion of the basics of nature were
vital and encouraged at all times within this unit. Often it was
important to discuss concepts and gain clarity for the key issues
such as customary law, kinship systems and spirituality which form
the foundations for Indigenous life. Communication with lecturers
was positive and response to emails within limits of University
policy.
Enjoy!!!
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MEET OFF CAMPUS STUDENT
ALLIE GOLOTTA by Tanya Bird
The Off Campus student is elusive. Eternally absent, but always
listening. You might find them lurking on the discussion boards of
Moodle, or see them emerge from the shadows at exam time. These
ambiguous creatures are shrouded in mystery. Yet if you shine a
light upon them, you will discover a vibrant individual behind
every user name.
This issue we welcome to the spotlight, Off Campus student,
Alexandra Golotta. But you can call her Allie.
Allie, 28, is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Professional
Communication) part time, while working full time for Arts Centre
Melbourne. She lives in Carrum, in Melbournes southeast, and uses
her train commute to and from work for Uni reading. And Sudoku.
When I finished year 12, I never wanted to write another essay
again, says Allie.
After finishing school, Allie made the decision to defer
University and work for a year while she figured out her career
path. Her lingering interest in photography saw her enrol at
Photographic Imaging College where she studied photography for two
years.
I met some photographers and decided thats not the life for
me.
She then took a job within the Visual
Communications field, but says that her brain was crying out for
something else to do. At 25 years of age, she was not interested in
the full submersion experience of University. Long past her days of
pub crawls, she decided to study off campus, so that she could
continue working.
Allie trialled a public relations unit with Open Universities
and spent six months researching her options, before deciding to
enrol at Monash.
From the first two units I did, I absolutely loved it. I found
that it really suited me.
She found that motivation came naturally to her and that Off
Campus learning enabled her to focus, away from the distractions of
a classroom.
I work with people all day at work, so its quite nice to come
home and have this private project that you work on.
For Allie, the best part is being able to dictate how study fits
into her life. Saturdays and Sundays are her dedicated study days,
and she tries to maintain a strict nine to five approach.
I still cant believe they let you do that, she laughs. It makes
it so accessible. I would never have been able to go back to Uni
full time.
As she begins her fifth year of study, she admits that the
isolation from other students can also be the challenging part.
4
Alexandra Golotta, 28, is an off campus student studying a BA in
Professional Communication. She successfully juggles full time
work, part time study and a myriad of hobbies.
Continued page 5
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Particularly in the cold, dark, winter months, when youve spent
the entire weekend inside, sitting still, on your own, reading Max
Weber theories.The pay off comes at the end of the semester, when
she is sitting exams.
You realise that you know all of this stuff that you didnt know
three months ago, she says.
Allie credits her success to always being proactive, and keeping
on the front foot. Her advice to other students is to approach each
unit from the point of view of the lecturer and avoid getting
bogged down in the detail.
Dont sweat the small stuff, and think more broadly about what
you should be taking away from the unit. Dont try to understand
every word because there is some stuff that will just drive you
crazy. If you are trying to understand something complicated, put
it in your own words, and post it on the message board. Dumb it
right down. Talk to people on the message board, because that has
got to be the best tool we have.
Allie now nears the end of her degree with a sort of reluctance.
The temptation to keep studying is trumped by her need to pay her
mortgage. She is forced to think of her post study career path, and
is currently considering a future in print media, or corporate
communications.
Im still figuring it out, but Ive narrowed it down, she says,
laughing. Corporate communications would be an interesting area to
work in. Ive always been interested in how an organisation presents
itself to the
public. Particularly when it comes to the fringe government
cultural sector, its a dialogue that happens because those
organisations only exist to provide something for people. So how do
we talk about that?
For now, Allie continues to research and sample her options. She
finds time to produce and present a Saturday afternoon show for her
local community radio station. She contributes to Pearl Magazine,
an online publication dedicated to the arts in Bayside and the
Morning Peninsula, and writes music reviews for the DMG radio
website. She also plays the piano (yes, she has time for a
hobby).
I figure if I spend some time doing these things, Ill find out
if I like doing them in reality.
We wish you all the best Allie.
5
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-By Allie Golotta
dontyou know
Im so tired ofyour stupidface always
steadfastly fixed to an LCD screen
Light upthat other cigarette
With some luckyou will
bedead
before too long
waste this momentthere could be moresinging that same old tune
assumptions about the kindestbeing most nave while youreyour safe
and reliable disdainmediating the worldin the darkness Throw
awayfriend Becausewe will let go andfind peace And youllforgiven by
the and forgive them in return And youll forget you were angry
6
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STUDYING WITH PRESCHOOLERS The sun hasnt even thought about
rising but I am already frantically hammering on the keys of my
laptop. A cup of tea steams next to me. No time to drink it. I
glance nervously at the fluorescent numbers on my desktop. They
blink innocently back at me. 6.02. 6.02. 6.02. 6.03. And then I
hear it. Just a rustle at first. I stop typing. Hell, I stop
breathing. Go back to sleep, go back to sleep I silently pray to
the God of Study, the God of Sleep, any God who happens to be
stupid enough to be listening to me at 6am on a Sunday morning. It
is no use, and my heart sinks as I hear the wonderful, annoying,
amazing yet frustrating sound of my children giggling in the next
room.
Being a university student and being a parent is tough. There, I
said it. And if you add part-time work into the mix as well, then
it can certainly become a bumpy road. And if you do succeed, if you
get that HD and the paycheck and your kids are still breathing and
everyone is calling you a super-parent, there is still the elephant
that everybody refuses to talk about. The guilt. When you become a
mum or a dad this voice inside of you suddenly comes to life which
says Johnny didnt eat his greens tonight. Must be his parents
fault. Cindy just threw her potatoes at Johnny. It must be
attention-seeking behaviour driven by the lack of attention from
her parents as they were busy working / studying / attempting to
get five minutes of sleep.
When a student without kids get a good mark on their assignment
they relax and say Yay for me. When a parent receives the same
results they have mixed feelings. Was it worth it? I have been
blessed with the enormous task of raising a tiny human to be kind,
caring, respectful, to know his ABCs, to ride a bike, to not become
an axe murderer, to be curious, to be loving... How much time have
I spent working on this assignment that could have been spent in
quality parent-child time?
After four years of studying, working, raising two preschoolers
and battling these emotions I have finally achieved a state of
balance. Hopefully some of these tips will help to smooth out your
own journey.
1) USE YOUR KIDS AS MOTIVATION
Why do you want to study? For most people it is to do with
bettering yourself, becoming more knowledgeable, working towards a
more rewarding career... so remind yourself, you are doing this for
the kids. In the long run this is going to benefit them, so you may
as well put the hard yards in now. I dont think that its a bad
thing for your kids to see you studying. Its all very well and good
to say to your kids school is important, study hard. But to
actually model the behaviour of a good student is bound to be a
hundred times more effective. PS there is nothing wrong with
putting the kids to bed half an hour early and letting them read
flick through a book until it is lights out. This is actually a
good habit to get into for school and it gives you half an hour you
otherwise wouldnt have had.
2) IGNORE THE HOUSEWORK
Seriously. You need to study when the kids are asleep, or if
they go to daycare / kinder then this is your time to focus. Dont
waste it scrubbing muck off dishes or vaccuuming the floor for the
tenth time because your darling son has decided to use chunks of
food as race-car ramps. Yes, the housework will get done, but
instead of doing it all yourself you can utilise the help of the
very culprits that made the mess. This works well for kids aged two
and up, who can be convinced that putting away toys or picking up
rubbish is actually a game. Therefore, by ignoring the housework
while you are studying you are creating quality parent-child time,
teaching your kids about cleanliness and responsibility, and
perhaps making it just a teensy bit easier on yourself. Sure, the
housework will take ten times longer, but I dont think there is
anything more rewarding than having two toddlers singing Mess in
the bedroom what do I do? You help me and I help you while cleaning
the lounge. If your kids are smart enough to realise that housework
isnt actually that fun, then sticker reward charts are a great
tool.
7
Continued page 8
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7) ASK FOR HELP
Some people dont get it. They just dont. You work, you study,
you have kids, so what? They dont get that your 24 hour day is
broken down into sleep time (if you are lucky), study time and
family time to ensure that you can get every little thing done. So
if it really is getting on top of you, dont be afraid to ask for
help. Maybe the kids could play at a friends for a couple of hours
so that you can get an essay finished. Nothing to feel guilty
about, they will love it. If you are lucky enough to have family
near you, Im sure grandma would be stoked about spoiling the
grandkids for the day. If you need help, ask. Nobody is a
superparent. The same goes with assignments. There is no harm in
asking your lecturer for an extension if you feel that you need
it.
8) REVISE YOUR STUDY LOAD
If full time study becomes too much, why not cut it down to
three units this semester. What about two, or even one? Most
degrees can be studied part-time, and to be honest an extra year or
two isnt that long in the scheme of things. Before long little
Johnny will be at school and you wont know what to do with yourself
(hopefully get that six-figure job, right?)
9) KNOW YOU ARENT ALONE
Being an off campus student can be really isolating. Being an
off campus student with kids can be more so. Just remember - there
are a lot more parents who are studying than you may think. Try to
make a connection with them so you can form a support network, even
if it is online! One place to check out is the new off campus
facebook page: www.facebook.com/offcampusgippsland
10) DONT BEAT YOURSELF UP
If it all goes awry, dont fret. If you didnt get the mark you
wanted, learn from it. If you have to resubmit, then so be it.
Instead of feeling down, gather your kids on your lap, give them a
cuddle and think to yourself - this is what really matters.
3) TURN OFF THE TV
Seems simple, right? But if you are regularly tuning in to watch
the current season of The Block then you are wasting five hours a
week of study time - thats 50 hours over the semester! And thats
only one show. Get yourself a recording device and reward yourself
after exams have finished. Is it really a priority to see Alyssa
and Lyssandra bickering RIGHT NOW, or can you wait a couple of
months?
4) STUDY SMARTLY
When you have kids, time is of the essence. You never know when
they are going to cut out a day sleep / start teething / be up all
night because they are sick. I suggest that it is important to get
ahead on your studies. Read those articles a week before you should
have, and read ahead to know what your essay topics are. Have that
highlighter out right from day one of semester. I also find it
useful to google reviews on difficult articles in order to
understand them more easily.
5) WAKE UP EARLY
If my kids wake me up in the morning I feel like I am already
behind the board. If I get up even half an hour before them I have
a moment to myself, a moment of calm before two little tornadoes
take over. Even if I dont do housework or study, this is a time to
mentally prepare for the day ahead. I set myself goals and make
sure I achieve them. There is also nothing good on TV at 6 am to
distract me.
6) USE THOSE LUNCHBREAKS
When youre a parent, life is go, go, go. You will paint and bake
and read a story, all before 9am. At work its a bit different.
There are mandatory breaks to make sure you dont go psycho and
murder your boss. Use this time. Even if it is just to highlight
some notes in a reading, do it. Simply re-reading an article or
proofreading half an essay will make a difference at the end of the
day. Your colleagues will call you a nerd, but accept this title
proudly.
Alanah Andrews is a professional communications student and
mother-of-two who is often called a nerd by her workmates.
8
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NEW BEGINNINGS by Karolina Stypa
Stroke after stroke, arms begin to stiffen and tense. Adrenaline
pumps through her. With every breath another glimpse, the light
slowly dominating the dismal black sea. The intensity of the breeze
forces the waves to crash against her porcelain skin. Shards of
glass graze and nip at her face, from cheek to cheek. Persevering,
she steers through the powerful sea gasping to reach the light. The
waves spiral and rush towards her fueled by determination. Below,
the seaweed leaps, grasps and wraps its tentacles around her
paddling feet. The earth stubbornly attempts to reel her back into
its grainy clutches but continues to be defeated.
As the water begins to diminish, she rises like a phoenix from
its soggy ashes. Her white, damp dress hangs heavily from her
figure. Limber long-legs bend, waver and stamp through the frosty
sea. Water ricochets from the shield around her, crashing into thin
air. Gliding through the parted water the light reflects upon her
upturned face. A smile creeps onto its smooth features, enhanced by
the glowing night. Gingerly she strides over pebbles and shattered
seashells covering the surface of the earth. The sharp corners
leave imprints on the soles of her feet, yet she perseveres without
a sound. For a moment she stops in her place, feet ever so slightly
sinking into the wet sand.
Theres a change in the air, not harsh but brisk. She welcomes
the wind, its whiskers nipping at her bare skin. Eyes closed, she
takes a deep breath before opening them to an incredible sight.
Shades of blue, yellow and pink have hijacked the sky forbidding
any clouds. Sun creeps up from beneath the horizon, like a meteor
steadily claiming its place. Below her the golden, gritty sand is
replaced with dusty red soil. Gritting her toes into the earth, her
brown eyes search for life in the field in front of her. The
greenery runs far into the distance until the few trees become
speckles in the horizon. Only the sound of the light breeze can be
heard ruffling against her dress, encouraging it to fly behind her
like an elegant cape. She shows no fear of the great height nor the
unfamiliar land. The ridges and markings in the rock beneath her
reveal a story she wants to know.
Suddenly she is interrupted by a deep, vibrating sound spiraling
towards her like a gust of wind. Its hypnotic rhythm felt as if the
cracks in the earth and rustle of nature were speaking to her. It
made her tremble with excitement. Below her, masked figures painted
in bright colours formed a ring around the base of the rock. Arms
extended upright towards her, they welcomed her to their land. She
looked behind her, as if so much time has past since she felt the
wild ocean encapsulate her small figure. For the first time she
sees something beautiful peeking through the terrain. It reminds
her of the little girl who once ran over sand dunes in the hot
summers air. With eyes closed and arms crossed over her chest, she
finally lets go. A smile covers her face, from cheek to cheek, as
she welcomes the new world awaiting her.
CREA
TIVE
WRI
TIN
G9
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Karolina Stypa
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from Starting Over Dog Rescue. If they are surrendered to a
pound, then they only have a certain amount of time.
Rescue organisations work differently from shelters in that all
dogs are placed into temporary Foster homes until they are adopted.
Dogs are de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed, micro-chipped and then
assessed in a family environment.
A lot of the carers are Foster failures because they end up
adopting them, says Young, laughing.
A new breed of rescue dogThe dog traffic is heavy on the lawn of
the Lost Dogs Home. The warm grass outside of the adoption pens is
littered with wagging tails. There are almost as many volunteers at
the Lost Dogs Home as there are dogs. The furry residents receive
daily walks and long cuddles in the sun. Every dog is healthy, of
sound temperament and ready to go home.
Today, long time resident, Humphrey, has been placed on hold. It
is not a guaranteed home, but it is official interest in the
chocolate Labrador whose only vice is his excitable nature.
Fundraising Manager, Sharon Elliott, stands smiling down at the
dog. She cannot help but share the news with volunteers as they
pass her.
Im still surprised at the amount of people that dont understand
that they are just ordinary dogs, says Elliott, shaking her
head.
If Humphrey was in a pound, he would most likely be dead. Thanks
to changes in adoption procedures, together with public education,
healthy dogs like Humphrey now have bright futures.
Up to 2011 if we put an animal up for adoption and it wasnt
adopted within 28 days, that animal would then have to be
euthanized, which is ridiculous, says Elliot.Every life is valued
at the shelter, says Elliott. All suitable dogs have the same
stringent adoption process regardless of age or breed. The process
ensures that each dog is placed in a home that is loving, suitable
and permanent.
Owners have to go through quite a rigorous interview with us,
says Elliott.The shelter also introduced a Pet License test in
March 2010. The online tool is designed to
educate people on responsible pet ownership. Owners that
complete the test are offered a discount off their adoption
fee.
Dog adoption fees in Australia can range from $200 to $450,
depending on which organisation you adopt through. There are 567
rescue organisations on petrescue.com.au alone. The site is a
digital hub that is striving to make adoption the first choice for
all. Its growth is an indication that pets are no longer being
viewed as disposable.We usually get the dogs from [pound] put to
sleep lists, says Monique Young, a foster carer
If Humphrey was in a pound, he would most likely be dead
11
Continued page 12
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Tanya Bird is a Communications
student and mother of two who
aspires to be a freelance writer
between school bells.
The dogs that are deemed suitable for adoption have their
profiles placed online so that potential adoptees can browse. These
once discarded animals are transformed into much desired rescue
dogs. With no time restrictions, Starting Over Dog rescue has a 100
per cent adoption rate so far.
Potential owners can expect a thorough suitability assessment
when adopting through a rescue group. The procedure can include a
lengthy application form, references, a phone interview, an initial
meet and greet and a back yard inspection. The process is not
without perks. Many organisations offer a cooling off period,
access to a dog behaviouralist, ongoing support and a re-home
policy for the lifetime of the dog.
The once discarded dogs are shedding the negative stigmas
previously attached to them. They are becoming something of value.
They are becoming sought after companions and beloved family
members. They are rescue dogs, and only the worthy need apply.
12
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Karolina Stypa
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Feb 24-28 O Week
March 3 Semester 1 lectures commence
March 14 Last date to add courses to Semester 1 enrolment
without financial penalty
March 31 Census date: Last date to drop courses from Semester
1
enroment without incuring a HECS/Fee debt
April 18-25 Semester 1 lecture break
April 28 Semester 1 lectures recommence
May 30 Semester 1 lectures finish
June 2-6 Swot Vac
June 9-27 Examination Period
14
Semester One Key Dates
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Politics
Reviews
Events
ArticlesCreative Writing
Poetry
Photography
Hard news
Lifestyle
Q & A
Interviews
Colour stories
Local news
National News
Film Review
Paintings
DrawingsAdvice
Interested in contributing to Exchange?
Email [email protected]
