Episode Transcript
Speaker 0 00:00:00 Hello and welcome. I'm here to provide acknowledgement of country. For those who don't know me, I'm kj Karen Jackson, director of Moon Dani Balletic. My genealogy tracks back to Moira Lakes in Barma Forest and Mount Hope in Pyramid Hill. Giving me my connections to Yorta, Yorta, and Barra language groups. There's a couple of things I'd like you to take away from my acknowledgement. The first is to remember the hidden history of Aboriginal people since invasion, our loss of language removal from country, and our new extinction from massacres and pandemics. The second is our strong and inherent connection to community and country. These connections have given us the resilience and courage to rebuild our languages, gain access to country, regenerate our cultural practices in acknowledging the traditional owners of the country on which you are now on. I'd like to sincerely thank them for their generosity and kindness in welcoming people onto their lands. Lands never seeded and lands that run deep into their being and spirit. I wish to pay my deep respect to the ancestors, elders, communities, and families of the rung wri on whose land I stand and who create connection and share knowledge with all of us. Thank you.
Speaker 2 00:01:18 Oh, hello, colleagues. My name is Adam Schumaker and I'm really delighted to be the vice chancellor of Victoria University. I love the job. I'm also the host of this podcast, people of Vu, where we delve into really fascinating stories and achievements of the exceptional individuals who make up the vibrant community of Victoria University, past, present, and future. And before we start, thank you as always kj for that acknowledgement of country that we just heard. I too want to pay my own deep respects to the ancestors, elders, and families of the, of the traditional owners of all of our campuses, be they here in Victoria, in New South Wales, in Queensland, wherever. And to acknowledge also any of Aboriginal people who may be listening to this podcast. Thank you so much. And today it's a great, great pleasure. We're talking with Nu, aka, aka and Tuni is currently studying bachelor of Laws with VU and she's here with us today. Welcome to the podcast, tuna.
Speaker 3 00:02:14 Thank you. Thank you Adam.
Speaker 2 00:02:15 It's so great to have you. And we were speaking before about a number of things. Just for those of you who don't know Tuna, if you don't, it's surprising because she's been involved in just about every student event, every student organization and possible thing that this university has, including vu Law Society president at the moment. And continuing VU student union, board Member VU, volunteer Oli as we call it, vu, community leader and student ambassador as well. Almost at large. We would say at large it meant meaning, basically everything you've done. Is there anything that you haven't done
Speaker 3 00:02:51 So far? I have not tried out the VU swimming pool. Okay.
Speaker 2 00:02:55 So that's still to be, still to come. Still to be done. Still to come. So let's just ask you a little bit about yourself because it's so wonderful to have you here. We've met a couple of times and certainly at Open day, we'll talk about that later. But let's go back in time. So you like, like me, came to this country from another place. So tell us where you were born, first of all. Yep.
Speaker 3 00:03:14 So I was born in Colombo, which is in Sri Lanka. And yeah, I came here for my higher education, which turned out to be my bachelor of laws here at vu.
Speaker 2 00:03:25 Oh, and so when you grew up in that in Colombo, of course it's a a fabulous, fabulous place. What was it like? Were you from a small family, a large family? Tell us more about, you know, your, your situation as you grew up.
Speaker 3 00:03:35 Yep. So I have a very small family, so I have my mom, my dad, and two younger sisters. So it's pretty small and yeah, of course you've got your aunts, uncles, cousins, but immediate family is pretty small. Yeah. And yeah, the situation was, it was a lovely place. I really do enjoy the fact that I grew up in such a nice place like Colombo and I reckon that it was an important aspect for me growing up in such a diverse sort of city because it definitely helped me open up my eyes to the world at large at the moment, which is helping me a lot.
Speaker 2 00:04:13 Oh, it really is a superb background. And tuna, how many languages do you speak?
Speaker 3 00:04:17 Oh my gosh, wait, let me count around four or five. Okay.
Speaker 2 00:04:23 So how about as many as the members of your family? Yeah, yeah, A bit like that, yeah.
Speaker 3 00:04:27 One for every member. Yeah.
Speaker 2 00:04:28 So which languages are they?
Speaker 3 00:04:30 So I speak English and Singha, which is the Sri Lankan language. And I speak a bit of French and I'm trying to remember my Italian and Spanish.
Speaker 2 00:04:41 Okay, so some European as well. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Yeah, that's, that's terrific. And now speaking of, speaking of languages and I mean I'm, I only speak French and English, so I'm very much envious of your, you know, four or five. Yeah. But it is such a great thing as a way in here at this university. We have a hugely multilingual population. Have you encountered that as you've been studying as well?
Speaker 3 00:05:01 Oh yes, definitely. I definitely feel that VU is very supportive and very multicultural and yeah, I've definitely met so many students and staff members and academics who are from all around the world and who have different diverse backgrounds and I just really enjoy learning new things. So it's a really amazing place.
Speaker 2 00:05:20 Have you had much contact with the expatriate Sri Lankan community here as well?
Speaker 3 00:05:25 Yes, I have. There's a wide Sri Lankan community here in not just Vu, but actually in Australia. And from what I've seen, Australia is the place with the largest amount of Sri Lankan migrants. So I don't necessarily miss the community back home because it's right here as well. So, which is NICE's
Speaker 2 00:05:44 Such a great thing. Now thinking about your family, you mentioned before that some members of your family have studied in Sri Lanka or you know, associated with, we have a relationship with the Green University in Colombo, just north of the city. You were saying you know a bit about that place as well.
Speaker 3 00:05:58 Yes, I do. So this sort of ties back to my model, United Nations stint back in school for one of the model United Nations conferences. It was actually held on the, at the Green University on its inauguration. So I was there from the beginning.
Speaker 2 00:06:17 Oh, when it was born, as it were. Yeah,
Speaker 3 00:06:18 When it was born. Oh. And yeah, and my cousin goes to that university, well she's almost done now, but she goes there and it's quite close to some of my family members' homes. So yes, I do know the green university and it's a really nice place.
Speaker 2 00:06:34 Yeah, we're planning, planning to do a lot more there, not just in environmental science, which of course is one of its great strengths, but beyond as well. Yeah. So that's, that's a lovely connection. Right at Born at the beginning model United Nations Assembly, is that what it was called?
Speaker 3 00:06:47 No, it's just Model United Nations and it's where you have all these conferences and you simulate what it's like to be a member of the United Nations and it's different assemblies and councils. Yep. Which is, I'd say it's a good background for if you wanna study law, international relations, things like that. 'cause then you understand how the world is governed and how international law works.
Speaker 2 00:07:10 And that's one of your great passions, is it not? Yes. Yeah. Yeah, I think
Speaker 3 00:07:12 So. Back when I was in school, I was actually the model United Nations Club president as well. Okay. Yeah. And debating president and yeah. Too much. But yeah.
Speaker 2 00:07:22 But I don't know if you can ever have too much 'cause the world really needs more, you know? Yeah, definitely. And as we see, you know, the, the schisms, the wars and you know, on the planet the moment, gosh the UN is under pressure as never before. And so model or real, it's really, really, you know, under severe stress. And it's very important that the next generations of people who will be involved in it. Would you like to work in a multilateral international organization when you finish?
Speaker 3 00:07:45 Yes, definitely. One of my prospects is to someday join the United Nations and help work towards a better future for everyone and try to prevent as much war and suffering for the future generations as well.
Speaker 2 00:08:01 Yeah, it's so important. And, and you may know Al Neon who heads, heads up one of our fantastic centers, the Zelman Cowan Center. And she's done a lot of work with the UN High Commissioner for refugees in North Africa, having come from a refugee camp herself. And that's been been a campaign this year. So there are people at VU other than yourself, very interested in that topic as well. I'm sure you'd find very many more. But getting back to you. So tell me about your parents. You were saying your father was a journalist, is that right?
Speaker 3 00:08:27 Yes, that's correct. So my background is, my father is a veteran journalist from Sri Lanka and he started out at Grassroots. So he was a DJ at first and yeah. And then he worked his way up and became a veteran journalist and media personality in Sri Lanka. A lot of people know him. He's quite famous in the Sri Lankan communities abroad as well. Yeah. And my mom was also in journalism and broadcasting, however, they both decided that okay, one of us is gonna focus on the family whilst the other one goes on to career. So yeah, my mom pretty much raised me and my sisters. Wow. Whilst my dad for 25 years he was in the industry and yeah, he spearheaded a lot of the broadcasting and journalism things in Asia and yeah, now he's finally focusing on the family as well. He is taking a bit of a break.
Speaker 2 00:09:21 It's so great that we're talking in a kind of online podcast way about others who also have broadcasts. So there you go. It's, it all comes together beautifully. Well it does, it does. Now let's go back here, you know, locally to vu. So you came when
Speaker 3 00:09:35 I came in 2022. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 2 00:09:37 So around around
Speaker 3 00:09:38 Two years ago.
Speaker 2 00:09:38 Yeah. So thinking of at that time, you know, world crisis in terms of health, Victoria's difficult to get into and stay, how did you choose to come and why then?
Speaker 3 00:09:48 Yep. So my journey was actually, I had not originally planned to come to Melbourne to study. I had originally been thinking of going to the UK 'cause I have some family members there as well. And I did a tour of the UK specifically just metropolitan London. And then I came here and had a little trip here in 2022. And I saw there was a star difference. I saw how multicultural it was, how accepting it was here compared to the UK and it just, there's so much space and freedom for people here. Yeah. And I felt I really connected with that and I just felt okay, I changed my mind. I feel like I wanna go to university here in Melbourne. Ah, great.
Speaker 2 00:10:32 Yeah, we were so, I was so glad that happened. I mean I'm, if you hadn't made that trip, was that just by accident or did someone suggest it to it to you?
Speaker 3 00:10:39 Well actually my mother, back when she was in her study time period of her life, she actually studied in Sydney. Mm. So she sort of has a connection here to Australia anyway. So she was quite heavy saying, oh you should go to Australia, you should go to Melbourne. Yeah. So, and then just coming here and seeing the people and seeing the environment just sort of solidified it for me. That's
Speaker 2 00:11:04 So great to know. I mean, honestly, when you look at decisions that are taken, wise words, so others often influence you. And can you remember the, when you first arrived and the first view or vision you had of Melbourne, what did it seem like?
Speaker 3 00:11:19 I reckon my very first view of Melbourne was probably when the flight was landing and it was pitch black. Oh right. It was late night as well. Yeah. And I came in autumn, I reckon. Yeah. It was autumn and it was just beautiful. The trees were so gorgeous and everyone was just enjoying their life in Melbourne. I just saw that there was so many like smiling, happy faces, even though I know that people have their own troubles. But everyone was so, they were just enjoying life and living in the moment. And that was a really good first view of Melbourne for me. Yeah.
Speaker 2 00:11:54 And that was during a pandemic? Yes. Of the most serious sort. Exactly. In which this was one of the most lockdown cities in the world and they were still smiling.
Speaker 3 00:12:01 Exactly. It just showed how resilient people are here.
Speaker 2 00:12:05 Wow, that's, that's a really interesting insight on your part as well. So then why laws itself? You said you could have studied, I suppose international relations or politics or history. Why laws?
Speaker 3 00:12:15 Yeah, it's sort of funny how it actually tied together because when I was little, I really wanted to become a judge
Speaker 2 00:12:23 At an early age.
Speaker 3 00:12:24 At a very, I think I was like five years old. And at school they were asking us, what do you wanna be when you grow up? And I just immediately said I want to be a judge. Oh, that's funny. Yeah. It was so funny because my classmates straight up said, yeah, you'd be very good at it. You love judging people.
Speaker 2 00:12:42 Of course there's judging and then there's Fair. Exactly. Judging and evaluation. It's not just choosing as you know.
Speaker 3 00:12:48 Exactly. But to a group of five year olds, it just meant the same thing. That
Speaker 2 00:12:50 Same thing.
Speaker 3 00:12:51 That's right. Yeah. And then I grew up, I actually studied sciences instead of commerce and law as I grew up. So I studied my, you call them ordinary levels and advanced levels. I'm not sure if they have it here in Australia, but it's a very British based education system that, and in those systems I studied with Cambridge University for science subjects like your biology, chemistry, physics as well as psychology and advanced physics, all that stuff. And then in my advanced levels, so your ordinary supposed to choose just three subjects because it's such a massive load and work as well. So I ended up choosing five subjects because to this day, I don't know why, but I chose biology, chemistry, physics. Yeah. Psychology and law. And law and law. Which was strange. Well not quite. 'cause I do like the law anyway, but I chose it. 'cause at first I figured it's something that is easier for me to understand rather than all of my other subjects. That was, I'm not quite sure, but I just felt like it's easier to understand, which my classmates now will disagree and say, how do you understand it? We don't understand it.
Speaker 2 00:14:08 Well it's not simple. No it's not. But there's a logic. Yes. But getting onto it is very, I mean often people find contracts for example, very challenging the first time. But you know when you are not in law, you see it from a distance, but now you're inside it. Mm. So are you in which year in, in your program are you? How far through?
Speaker 3 00:14:25 Yep. So I'm currently in my second year, but it's a bit of a complicated line to draw because I started here at Victoria University in a TAFE course. I started in my advanced diploma of legal practices. Yeah. And then through that I managed to pathway into my bachelor of laws. So technically I am in my second year. However, it's a bit confusing to figure out where exactly 'cause I pathway into it. But
Speaker 2 00:14:51 That's so great. Yeah. That you actually made use Yep. Of what we call the dual sector. Yep. Nature of eu. Not just to your advantage, but to our advantage. Because that's exactly what we love to see people who can use different ways of managing their lives in the best possible outcome. So congratulations again. Thank you for doing it. You know, that's a really super thing. So let's go to some of these clubs. How did you get so involved? Do people suggest it to you or you just go looking,
Speaker 3 00:15:16 Okay, which one would you like me to start first? Student ambassador in or the law P
Speaker 2 00:15:21 You. You choose. You choose.
Speaker 3 00:15:22 Okay, let's go chronologically. I started with being a student ambassador at first, which was sort of a curious story because I started when I was still in my advanced diploma. So I was here, well not here. I was at Foot Screen Nicholson campus at the time. And I was in an evening class and it was really late and I was really tired and the trains weren't running. So I was just there at Witz GR Nicholson campus. Yeah. And I was sitting in the area where it's closer to the cafe there. And on the bulletin board there was this poster talking about student ambassadors. And I was interested 'cause I had never heard about that happening at vu. So I scanned the QR code and went through the interview process, which was quite rigorous. They really screamed their ambassadors and somehow I made it through. Yeah.
Speaker 3 00:16:17 And then the journey started then. And I do remember my first experience as a student ambassador was at a careers expo. I think it was at Melbourne Showgrounds, if I'm not mistaken. But I could be wrong. It's been quite a long journey. Memory loss, old age. And yeah, I remember that first experience where I was changing into my ambassador shirt and I was wondering, oh wow, I wonder where I'll be in the next two years. I wonder if the university will see my progress. I wonder what I'll achieve. And then less than a year later, there I am on the university collateral. Yes. And marketing.
Speaker 2 00:17:03 I know right. Now let, let's just pause there for minute for a minute. Because people may not know what the word collateral means. Yep. But let's call it a great big poster with your face on it. Because at our open day, which had thousands of visitors, we got together and there I was talking to you behind you was your image smiling almost as well as you were in real life. So what we did is we had a photo taken of you in front of you with me. Yeah. And that's how this all began, this discussion. It
Speaker 3 00:17:29 Did. It did. Because previously to that I was, before the poster went up, I was on the collateral in the sense the, the VU handbooks. So I was on those as well as social media and a bit further on, on the Melbourne trams. Oh right.
Speaker 2 00:17:49 Have you seen yourself on a tram? I have. It's Have you been on the tram that you were on? Yes. Inside and outside? Yes. Oh, that's hilarious. Did you take lots of photos for your family?
Speaker 3 00:17:58 I, the first time I saw it was actually 7:00 AM in at City Tar Campus. And I was going to City Tar Campus to sort out my next semester's enrollment some issue with my father. 'cause he had some business to do in the city as well. And we were getting out of Flagstaff station where the tram stop is and we were gonna cross the road to City Tar Campus. And then my dad stops me and goes, is that you? And I was, yeah, it's me. I'm right here. And I was still not quite awake. Yes. So I didn't know what he was talking about. And he says, no, look behind you. And I looked behind me. Oh gosh. And there I was on the track.
Speaker 2 00:18:36 Such a surreal experience. I know it was, you probably knew it was coming, but you never knew when you would arrive. I actually
Speaker 3 00:18:41 Didn't know that my face was on a track. Oh, was that?
Speaker 2 00:18:44 I've never been on one too. So I cannot relate. I can only imagine you. You could
Speaker 3 00:18:48 Be,
Speaker 2 00:18:49 But it's a great experience. Look, the, the truth is we've had artworks on trams. Some of our wonderful indigenous colleagues have had some of their artworks on trams as as as kind of rolling artworks. Yes. But now it's rolling people. Yes. So it's even better. Yes. So very personal. But, and the truth is, I think, you know, when you see it, we don't have people who are professional models or No. From agencies. We have actual students in actual situations like yourself on all of our marketing. I think that's a good thing.
Speaker 3 00:19:15 It is. And I've definitely gotten feedback from my fellow classmates and other VU students and even the academics and teachers here. They've all told me the same thing. That they're really glad to see me as a student on the marketing materials rather than a paid actor. Yeah. Who doesn't know what goes on at vu, who's just there for a couple of hours, gets the photo done and leaves and doesn't even think about VU you the next day. Yeah. Yeah. So they really feel that they're more connected to VU as a whole when they see their own student. When they see somebody they know on and being the face of the university. Yeah. Which
Speaker 2 00:19:51 Is great. It's, it's a beautiful thing. It's authentic, you know. It is. And I think you are very authentic, if I may say so too. Thank you. And know it's wonderful to, to, to speak with you. So when we talk about your studies and we talk about the level as you say it, you know, law is one of those things which it grows. Yes. But you've said something very interesting to me that you've been also president of the law. Is it called the Law Society. Law Society, yes. Yeah. So tell me about that and what's, what's the, what's the prospect for that? What kind of work are you doing in the law? Society? Society?
Speaker 3 00:20:18 Yep. So I became president of the Law Society last November, well last October. But yeah, you count it as November. 'cause the cycle is quite annual. Yeah. And I became the president and I realized that it had been a little bit dormant for some time and students deserved much better than what was currently being offered. So I straight up started to rebuild it, which is uphill work. But I've gotten a lot of support from the law, academics, and even the dean of the law school herself. So it's really encouraging. It's a lot of work. But it's quite encouraging because I want to provide opportunities for all students, not just the law students. Because I feel I don't want to segregate the law community and make them really insulated, if that makes sense. I want everyone to be able to share in what is the law society and maybe if they have a liking for law. Because we do know that there are students here who do double degrees. They can partner with law and psychology for example. Yeah. And even if you don't study law, I just want everybody to have that feeling that they're included in a community, which sometimes you might not get as easily. So I try to run events that are not just law specific, but things that the whole VU community can engage in. Like board game nights and movie nights and things like that. That anybody can enjoy. Anybody.
Speaker 2 00:21:47 Yeah. Now tell me, it's very interesting when you think of it because the law school is one of our oldest buildings and it's one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city of Melbourne. Right next to our newest building. Yes. The tower. So you have this sort of benefit of law itself, which is an ancient, you know, pro profession. Yes. But also very modern and very contemporary. So it's kind of a nice image of what you're studying.
Speaker 3 00:22:10 It is. And it feels quite surreal every time I go to City Tar Campus or even the law building, because it sort of reminds me every time that I cross between the two buildings, even when I'm standing right between the two buildings, that this was the past, this was the foundation, and now this is the future. Yeah. And VU is at the forefront of it. Which is, it's surreal. It's, you can't quite explain it. You can't describe it. It's something that gives me goosebumps. Yeah. Sometimes. Because it just feels amazing that I'm a part of this. So,
Speaker 2 00:22:44 Yeah. Well, and we're having so many events at the moment. There's going to be of course some major public speeches in the law school, some happening, you know, this month as we, as we record in October. But also all the time. And of course the annual moot. Yes. Which takes place. Which is such a fantastic thing as well. You know, it is something of which we're incredibly proud, but we're incredibly proud of you too. And all the criminology students as well. Yes. And the fact we've got a, A law firm in the building Yes. Next to the Dean's office.
Speaker 3 00:23:11 Yes. It's actually quite interesting 'cause my, I try to include a lot of the criminology students as well because they seem to think that, oh, we're a separate entity here. We don't have much support. And I changed that. I said, no, absolutely not. You guys are also included here. Yep. And my first step to try and bring that whole community of criminology students was to make a criminology student, the law society secretary. Yes. So that way they have a deeper connection to us as well. And also I would definitely say that I'm really, really proud of all the moots that are being hosted at the law building itself and also the law firm there. I think it's sharpen Enable lawyers. Yep. And they actually, they're lovely people. And they actually helped me a lot when I'm actually starting a moot team for vu. So that we can actually go and bring the VU name and reputation to competitions and moods across Australia and internationally. So far we've participated in an international competition as well as one here within Victoria. Yep. So that's there. And the law firm, actually, they were so kind and they helped us. They gave us pointers and little mini lessons on what to do and what not to do in a court situation as well as the academics. They've all been so helpful.
Speaker 2 00:24:33 That is fantastic. I did not know that. And I'm so delighted to hear it, you know, because this way of, it brings together all the things you talked about in the past, all your listening skills, your logic skills, your debating skills, the mock trial skills that Mooding response to, but also this incredible integration. 'cause what I'm hearing from you is I try to integrate, whether it's people, policy, place, or outcomes. And that's a wonderful thing. Yeah. We're really delighted. Now tell me, I've heard that they're extending your tenure as president. How did this happen? Yes.
Speaker 3 00:25:05 Well, at least I've accepted for now. But however, if I feel that the law society will have a good successor, hopefully sooner than later, I'm looking forward to hand it over. But yes, tenure is extended.
Speaker 2 00:25:21 That's so great. Well congratulations on that. Thank you. Now what is your dream? Future dream? Because we talked about past, yeah, we talked about present and we talked about a lot. But if you had a big dream, you mentioned, you alluded to the un, but is there anything specific either in that regard or beyond what, what's your big dream?
Speaker 3 00:25:39 Definitely. I'd say the long-term goal is to make the world a better place. Hopefully. Which is a big ask. It's not gonna happen overnight, but it's the efforts that count towards it. So hopefully get a position at the United Nations and make sure that that future is going to happen instead of getting further away from it. So yeah, I would really like to work in international relations pretty much. And specifically focus on the humanitarian aspect that the world so greatly needs, especially in these challenging times.
Speaker 2 00:26:15 You can say that again. And we, we, we are so fortunate in academia to know and to learn. Yeah. But we see the world around us in patterns that could be avoided or permitted and continue. And of course, it's our job to predict and avoid conflict in the future too. Not just governments. Yeah. And individuals as well. But tuna. Can I say this? I've learned so much from you, from your family, through you, from the students, through you and from all the volunteers through you. You've been representing all of them so brilliantly. Well we could not be more proud of you. And I've enjoyed every second of our podcast. Thank you so much. Thank
Speaker 3 00:26:49 You.
