
Yuulong Residential Assistant
Welcome back, Nia! You graduated from Clarendon in 2018 and are a familiar face to many of us. You are starting as the Residential Assistant at Yuulong in Term 1 this year. How exciting!
- Can you describe your role as a Residential Assistant at Yuulong?
Nia: I am just getting into it, so it is all becoming more apparent to me as I spend time at Yuulong. However, essentially, I am part of a team of wonderful staff who mentor the students throughout their time at Yuulong. A big part of what we do is guiding them on exciting multi-day bushwalks and taking them out for experiences like surfing. - That sounds like such a fulfilling role! Looking back, what were your most memorable experiences during your time at Clarendon?
Nia: Being a part of the Girls Boarding House (GBH) is certainly at the top of the list. I have four brothers, so the GBH was my first proper experience of ‘sisterhood.’ Another standout experience was volunteering in Cambodia during Year 12. It was an incredible opportunity and I will always be grateful for it. - Since leaving Clarendon, you’ve had quite the journey! Can you tell us what you have been up to?
Nia: It has been a mix of study, work and a lot of travel! I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications and European Studies at The University of Melbourne. This led me to work in communications in Melbourne and at the Australian Open in a media role. But my love for exploring took over. I completed my Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and then spent 18 months backpacking through Europe, especially Norway and Scotland, as well as Nepal and India. I taught English along the way, but much of my travels were centred around hiking. That passion led me to New Zealand, where I completed a Graduate Diploma in Sustainability and Outdoor Education in Christchurch. I only just moved back to Australia last month! - What an incredible journey! So, what drew you to outdoor education and, ultimately, this role at Yuulong?
Nia: I have always been ‘outdoorsy’ and I have developed quite a passion for long walks and hiking! Initially, I studied outdoor education with the idea of getting into guiding work, but along the way, I realised I also love teaching. Yuulong is the perfect blend of both! When I was at Clarendon, students would frequently reflect on their wonderful experiences at King Island. I also attended the ‘School for Student Leadership’ in Year 9, so I know how impactful these programs are and I wanted to be part of that again! - That’s fantastic. As a former boarder, how do you think that experience will help you support students in the Yuulong program?
Nia: I know what it is like to live with people you don’t initially know very well and I understand the challenges of being away from family. Living in the GBH taught me how special it is to create a new kind of ‘family,’ and I hope to help students navigate through that experience at Yuulong. - Outside of work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Nia: I am known to flicker between outdoor endeavours. Over the past year, I have been into running, then I spent every weekend skiing and recently, I have taken up surfing which I am really enjoying! I am eager to get involved in most things when it comes to the beautiful outdoors. - Sounds like you will fit right in at Yuulong. What are some of your goals for this new role?
Nia: I am so excited about all the things I am going to learn! While I have my outdoor education qualification, one of my main goals is to gain more confidence in applying those skills. I want to be able to provide students with exciting and challenging outdoor experiences and really make the most of Yuulong’s unique environment. This role feels like a great opportunity to bring my various studies, work experiences and travels together into one position. I can’t wait to get into it!
With Yuulong’s Term 1 students arriving early next week, I wish you the best of luck, Nia. Enjoy all of the incredible experiences that Yuulong has to offer.
