Meet Your 2025 Student Club President...
... Alexia Bennett!
Where are you from and what are you studying?
I’m from Torquay on the Surfcoast, Victoria. This year I will be going into my second year of the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Psychology.
What do you love about UC?
The warmth and confidence of the people here - it’s infectious! This was the first thing I noticed when I walked through the reception doors on welcome Saturday. I’d never seen SO many smiling faces all in one room! They were all introducing themselves, and offering to help carry bags. There’s a feeling when you’re a part of the UC community that everyone genuinely cares about how you’re doing. Whether it’s in the dining hall, or lying in the Giblin Courtyard, the people at UC are always keen for a chat, and to get to know you better! I think the fact that we’re all studying such a diverse array of degrees, means that we understand the value that our different strengths add to our community, bringing out a confidence in people to be completely themselves.
What's your favourite memory of UC so far?
My favourite memory has to be our first place victory at the intercollegiate step-up dance competition last year. Our team of competitors worked so hard in the lead up to this night. After many early morning rehearsals, and top-notch coaching from our music reps, they absolutely nailed their performance - flips and all! But what really blew me away was just how many UCers turned up to cheer on our performers - it felt like the whole college was there. We completely filled the room with our ‘die-hard spirit’ - both in its capacity and volume! This made it impossible for the rest of the Crescent to ignore! The tram ride home from the city was particularly memorable, as the Number 19 tram buzzed with victorious cheers and laughter. I think this moment really showcased the spirit of UC - the genuine pride and joy we share in each other’s accomplishments.
What do you hope to achieve this year as the Student Club President?
In the final weeks of 2024, the UC student executive team took part in a planning & leadership training day. It was an amazing opportunity to discuss what we wanted our focus to be in 2025, and the practical ways in which we could achieve this. Living by our UC motto of ‘love, passion, and die-hard spirit’, the team decided that we wanted to work on further fostering UC’s inclusive culture, which we believe make it so special. This year as President, I am looking forward to getting to know our new incoming cohort of first years, and to help them settle into college life! Along with the amazing team of O-week leaders, I hope to help make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
What's your best wellbeing tip?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed during your first few weeks of college (which by the way is totally normal!), I’d suggest scheduling a bit of alone time away from college to check in on yourself. It’s easy when you’re starting out to feel like you have to be constantly socialising, but I found taking time for myself (ie. going for a run, calling my mum, getting coffee) was really valuable as it offered me a bit of a reset. I feel like not only did this give me a greater sense of control during a time of change, but it allowed me to make the most of all the amazing social events UC has planned throughout the year.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
I am passionate about the powerful role that mental
health plays in our everyday lives, especially as university students. Honestly
this time of our lives is such a rollercoaster - full of such excitement and
fun, but also the stress of figuring out what you want to do - and that can
make times really stressful. Being able to deal with these challenging times,
means being able to communicate how we’re feeling to those around us, in order
to manage our mental wellbeing. I hope this time as President will allow me to offer
students the opportunity to settle in and feel well supported, as they embark
on this exciting new stage of their lives.
Favourite snack?
Will always and forever be Reece’s PB cups
Thanks Alexia! We can't wait to see you and your Student Exec team shine this year.
