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| Hudson Student Society: (from left) Kim D’Costa (Vice President), Paulo Pinares-Garcia (Secretary), Dean Popovski (Treasurer), Harriet Fitzgerald (President) |
What is the Hudson Institute Student Society?
The Student Society is run by students, for students and represents the collective voice of the student body. It organises social events, facilitates student education and training. The Student Society represents the interests of all students within the Institute and welcomes students from the School of Clinical Sciences (SCS) to also become members of the society.
How did the current student society come about? How does it fit under the Monash umbrella?
The Hudson Institute Student Society came about last year from the fusion of the Prince Henry’s Institute and MIMR Student Societies. We have had a long-running and successful relationship with Monash Clubs and Societies, which has allowed us to run many events by providing us with both financial and administrative support.
In a few words, what does the Student Society stand for? How do you aim to enrich the student experience, both socially and educationally?
We aim to create a positive social and academic environment, enabling all students to excel in their research degrees. We aim to improve communication channels between the students, the Institute, the SCS, and the University.
We encourage the relationships between students, foster a peer support network, promote educational seminars on and off-campus, and develop a sense of community amongst the student body through regular social functions.
What types of initiatives and events have you been involved in so far (and what events are you planning - eg Xmas party)?
We’ve had a fantastic year full of successful events. At the beginning of the year we had our AGM, where the new committee members were elected. Other events we’ve hosted include the Trivia Night, Dumplings and Bar night, Movie night, and the student-run mixer, which encouraged networking, mentoring and socializing amongst the students. We raised in excess of $350 for the student society by hosting the annual International Food Day. We’ve organized and hosted important educational events such as the Hudson Institute and SCS 3 Minute Thesis competition, and we will be jointly involved in organizing the upcoming SCS Student Showcase Symposium.
As our final event for this year, we are hosting the annual Student Christmas Party, which will be held on Friday 27th November at 3pm at Elwood Beach.
Next year is a new term for office bearers and representatives. Why would you encourage students to apply for these roles?
Being a part of the Student Society committee gives students an opportunity to develop their communication, leadership and organizational skills, which they can then use in their future careers. We found it incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun organizing all the events this year. Not only have we been able to be involved in providing students with a supportive and nurturing environment, but we have also made lasting friendships that would have only come about through this experience. Elections for the new committee will be held in March next year at the 2016 AGM.
Your 2015 Student Society committee:
Harriet Fitzgerald- President
Kim D’Costa- Vice- President
Dean Popovski- Treasurer
Paulo Pinares-Garcia- Secretary
Getting to know your Student Society committee: 5 quick-fire questions
1) What is your biggest inspiration?
Harriet: My mum. Bringing up four, university educated kids as a single mum is pretty impressive.
Kim: “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Dean: My family, knowing where we've come from to now always inspires me to do better.
Paulo: My parents and Cristiano Ronaldo, for showing me that hard work always pays off.
2) What was the last film that you saw?
Harriet: The Martian
Kim: The Intern
Dean: X-men Days of future past
Paulo: The Martian
3) What's your favourite artist/band?
Harriet: Taylor Swift aka T-Swizzle
Kim: Constantly changing, currently have a massive crush on Ed Sheeran
Dean: Led Zeppelin
Paulo: Cream
4) If you weren't a scientist, what else would you be?
Harriet: A musical theatre actress (that's for you Dean) or a journalist
Kim: If I wasn't a Scientist, I would be a teacher or Executive assistant / HR executive
Dean: Probably gone into business, but if you ask Harriet I'm sure she'd say a career in stand-up comedy
Paulo: Real-life Alan Grant, aka a dinosaur expert
5) What advice would you give to your undergrad self?
Harriet: Be passionate. Stay curious. And don't sweat the small stuff.
Kim: To not be shy and live on the edge more! #yolo
Dean: Take a greater initiative in your projects to enable you to elevate them to the next level and avoid too much bacon it gives you cancer.
Paulo: Get out of your shell, learn to cook, and don’t buy your textbooks at the uni bookstore!
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