Tell us a little bit about yourself and your achievements to date
Hi, I’m Hyunju from South Korea. I came to Melbourne last June and I’m studying Patisserie and Hospitality at William Angliss Institute. I studied psychology before coming here and now I am indulging myself in the pastry world. Exciting!
What are your goals for the future?
I have learnt from classes and work that becoming a chef is not only about the technical skills, but that you also need to have excellent leadership. My future goal is to be a pastry chef who sees, practices and experiences a lot. I want to experience a bigger world and different countries as a pastry chef.
Why are you excited about being a Study Melbourne Student Ambassador?
Being a student in Melbourne for two years to me is not very long. I’m always eager to do something meaningful and different. It is exciting to meet all these amazing students in different industries. This is such a good chance for me to socialise and to network as well. I will remember this as a period of the most memorable and great times in my student life.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to supporting other international students?
It is real that many international students are having issues as a foreigner, regardless of the joy of living in Melbourne. Emotional fluctuation is quite common among students. We might feel lost, unsatisfied or unstable. If I can help point international students in the right direction, if I can make them feel better and feel cared for and welcomed, I will be happy.
What is the most useful advice you ever received when you faced a challenging time as an international student?
I was having a hard time last September. I was missing my family, I felt alone and the job I was doing at that moment was too stressful. I cried a lot in my room. My friend didn’t know that but sent me a message saying that whenever I need someone, he will be there and not to forget that luck is always in my pocket.
However hard it is, good things are always waiting for you!