Ineka dreams of sitting across the news desk as a hard hard-hitting journalist, grilling politicians. To be the journalist who doesn’t back down. She wants to make sure people are informed with a broad range of views from a diverse and balanced media, that plays an effective role in democracy. Enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Media and Politics, Jane is helping her to make her vision for the future a reality.
Coming from the western suburbs of Melbourne, Ineka had spent summers with her father’s family in northern Tasmania. She thought Tasmania’s social scene would be “dead” compared to Melbourne, but since moving to Tasmania to study, she has realised how wrong she was:
“I love it – it’s completely the opposite to what I thought. It’s such a fun and welcoming place and the landscape is beautiful.”
Living the college experience
Ineka wanted to move out of home post-high school and have the college experience. She saw Jane online, did a deep dive into researching the place and realised that it was where she needed to be.
“I found it on Instagram and TikTok, and saw a bunch of things – It looked fun, like the typical college experience, living with people your age, new friendships, finding your family.”
Ineka applied and won the Marcus Freeman Scholarship, which is $15,000 per year over three years to help with her accommodation and living expenses. She said it changed her life as she financially wouldn’t have been able to stay at Jane without it.
“It has lived up to what I thought and hoped it would be. I have a solid group of friends, trips for semester break, eating with everyone, day trips to the beach. I moved by myself, and I would have missed home a lot more but there is always something to do. Jane is what I thought it would be and more. I turned 18 last week – so I’m just getting started.”
A whole new love for learning
The degree has been wonderful for Ineka, who loves all her classes: “The discussions are so good and finding friends and groups in each class. There is so much to learn – it gives you a whole new love for learning.”
One aspect of Jane that has really helped Ineka is the Academic support:
“The second year students who are doing the course help out – I found that so important. In particular for referencing! I never did that in high school. It’s so nice having one-on-one support. It’s nice to know the vibe of the course, and to be reminded of things like re-reading my work when I’m too lazy to re-read it. The push to hand things in on time. It makes me sad that not everyone gets the same opportunity that we get at Jane, and that motivates me.”
Being 17 in Welcome Week
Being only 17 years old during Welcome Week meant that Ineka couldn’t partake in all the after-hours resident activities, as she was too young to go out on the town. However, this ended up being a positive as she had the chance to form tight friendships with the other 17-year-olds.
“It was so nice – a couple of my now closest friends here were 17 as well – we bonded over that – the party ended for us at 10 pm and then we’d watch a movie in the common room.”
Jane does cater for everyone, whether they are older and more into big nights, or introverts more interested in being in smaller groups. In those first weeks of moving to Jane, there are so many activities that everyone gets a chance to find their friends:
“I was grateful at the beginning that it was so busy here at Jane – so many activities. I was nervous during December/January because I had my heart set on Jane and I was waiting to hear if I got the scholarship. Then, once I knew I was in, I became more excited than nervous. It was fine when I got here, it’s just so nice and supportive.”
Advice for future students
Ineka has simple advice for those considering moving to Jane:
“If you have the opportunity to go to Jane or stay at a college, do it! You have to go! I was not confident, but there are so many opportunities to meet people. Jane helps you get out there and experience new things and take you out of your comfort zone – you will genuinely find your people here. It has changed my life. It’s incredible.”
