Stepping into a new country to pursue an onshore PhD as an international student with an anxiety disorder is an adventure filled with lows and highs. As I moved from India, to Brisbane, Australia, the stark differences in culture, academic structure, and climate were only a few of the many challenges I encountered in the first two months of my arrival. Alongside my eagerness to explore numerous academic opportunities, the fear of missing out and the pressure to quickly adapt triggered waves of anxiety within me.
Read More »Month: January 2024
How it Feels: Going from Homeless to Heritage by Brooke Szucs
My name is Brooke Szucs, and I work in a lovely, well-lit office within the sandstone buildings of the University of Queensland (UQ). My family were immigrants from what was Yugoslavia. They didn’t come from much, they didn’t bring much, and they didn’t get much more when they came here.
Growing up poor, university never felt attainable to me.
I’m the first person in my family to attend university, let alone finish it.
So, when I was able to get a job in the beautiful Forgan Smith building at the University of Queensland, the most iconic and classic of the heritage listed UQ Great Court, I really felt that I had reached heights no one else in my family had ever thought we could achieve.
Going into my office, so close to the main tower that has the building dominating the landscape and is the focus of so many group and tourist photos, made me swell with pride. I couldn’t believe that someone like me, whose mother used to cry when she was unable to buy me a $5 student ticket to go to the movies, would now be officially working there.
However, while my professional life shows sandstone and suits, I am still the daughter of countryside peasants. While I aim for higher, and enjoy my time in my office, I am reminded of my reality when I finish work for the day.
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Voices of Academia 