Our final article is by Hope Dolino Erese, who was mostly based backstage, assisting with the Fashion Show.
When I saw the photos from the previous Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome (LMSW), I knew straight away that I wanted to be a part of it. So when the opportunity came up for the next one, I instantly registered and waited anxiously for August 2 to come.
However, the focus of my article is not only to describe my LMSW experience, but also to touch on how volunteering (specifically at The Couch) can open a lot of doors for all of us. It would be wonderful if all international students could make the most out of the numerous opportunities available, just as I've had. In my personal experience, volunteering has not only allowed me to network and gain friends, but also made me appreciate Melbourne more and the beauty of its multicultural setting.
On the day of the LMSW, I arrived earlier than the 10am call time. To my surprise, many of the volunteers were already there and had started with the preparations. I was part of Jessie’s team who were assisting with the Fashion Show, and everything in our area already seemed organised by the time I arrived. Knowing that we had almost everything done in my department, I decided to go around the building and check where else help was needed. I was quickly put to effective use: running errands, assisting guests, folding newsletters, and picking up rubbish among others.
At around 11am, I was informed that two of the models hadn't shown up and I was asked if I wanted to be on the runway. My immediate response was, "I'd love to!" It was so awesome to be made up and get to wear one of Sleep Couture's designs. I spent the next two hours backstage with the beautiful models and the amazing local designers. Everything went so fast that, when it was my time to walk, I just forgot who I was and enjoyed the moment! This is something I would want other interested international students to experience too. The idea is, even if we do not have exposure in something, say modelling or writing a blog, the opportunities are there if we really want to get involved.
And my awesome experience didn't end there. I was back to my usual volunteer duties right after the Fashion Show. It was really fulfilling to be able to offer a friendly smile in greeting, guide students, and answer their queries. I loved how they patiently queued for the balloons and face painting, and how guests politely asked for assistance. Noticing how students engaged in conversations with new friends, and how they enjoyed the snacks we served really made my day! What better way to throw a Student’s Welcome than to make sure everyone was having a wonderful time! And the presence of the honourable Lord Mayor Robert Doyle at the event made it really special.
It was only towards the end of the program did I have the time to chat with fellow volunteers, see the stalls and watch the performances on stage. It was all worth it, even if I missed a lot of the earlier cool acts. Although I may have not seen them in action, I was able to get up close with the performers backstage! This, I tell you my friends, is one of the perks I think is great in becoming a volunteer (in case anyone is interested to get involved in the future).
It was already around 4pm that I got to join the dancing and shared a couple of laughs with friends. It was fun, so fun indeed that I didn't even feel tired from the whole busy day's activities!
To sum it all up, I hope many international students read this because I am writing to you as an international student myself. We go to a first-world country as Australia in the hopes of having a bright future. We want to make ourselves better. If there is one thing I am proud that I have learned from volunteering activities I've done in Melbourne (with Victoria Uni, with the City of Melbourne, and with The Couch), it is I know I have become a better person. It is not just about accomplishing tasks, but it is about getting to know ourselves deeper and sharing a part of us with others. We are given countless opportunities to showcase our talents and realize our potentials, so why not take advantage of it? Having said that, I can say that the Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome was definitely one of the best experiences I've had so far. And I hope this event will continue to inspire and bring joy to many more international students!
More photos in the album.
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