Jay's Student Life Story

Culture clash

Jay was born to an Australian father and Korean mother but tragically lost his father at only three months old.

Growing up in Australia until aged 10, he and his mother then went back to South Korea to be closer to her family.

Before the move, Jay considered himself Australian, yet he was keen to explore his Korean roots and always felt a sense of community responsibility.

When he returned here later to study Year 12, he found himself questioning where he fit in and how he identified.

Swinburne student Jay posing for a profile photo.

Following in his father’s footsteps

Feeling the need to challenge himself, Jay enrolled at a local university but felt the environment was not a good fit. He knew his father had studied at Swinburne as a young adult, so he explored the courses and facilities on offer.

Almost immediately, Jay felt the sense of community and diversity he was seeking that allowed him to feel safe and accepted – without having to fit into a pre-designed box.

Swinburne offered a pathway to a Bachelor of Accounting through the Diploma of Business course, which would help Jay bridge the gap between his Korean and Australian studies.

Jay says the support offered particularly to migrant students helped him enormously – at the Careers Launchpad within the Hawthorn campus, where staff are available to help at any time.

“The teachers at Swinburne were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They provided opportunities directly within the industry and really encouraged everyone.”

JAY, DIPLOMA OF BUSINESS

Balancing the books

Jay’s community-minded leadership potential was realised early in the Diploma course, when he was nominated for a 7-day leadership camp through RYLA – the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. This was an incredible experience and helped Jay to further develop his skills.

Having now completed the Diploma of Business, Jay’s ultimate goal is to complete his Bachelor of Accounting and become CPA certified, as he wants to use this as a tool to support other migrants. His message to those considering tertiary study is to put Swinburne at the top of your list, particularly for student support.