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60 seconds with … Joanna Abraham

14 May 2008

Student Joanna Abraham
 

Name: Joanna Abraham
Course: Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)
Year Level: 1st year
Mode: On-campus

What is it about your course and the University that helped you to choose Monash?

Personally, the ultimate draw for me to the journalism course was the partial internship and research project we would be able to participate in as third-year journalism students. Apart from this I really loved the way the course was structured. I liked that I would be able to take a few arts units as well - I felt this would give me a more well rounded, holistic educational experience.

What is your favourite subject and why?

At the moment it's Criminology, one of the Arts components of my degree. I find it extremely intriguing to delve into the reasons and background of who offends and why. It really changed my perspective. I no longer have a biased and stereotypical view of who an 'offender' could be because in reality, there is no stringent profile; it could be anyone.

What challenges are ahead for you this year?

I'm currently volunteering at a philanthropic organisation, The Oaktree Foundation. We have numerous campaigns and events on the horizon, the most current being the End Child Slavery Campaign. There are still 8.4 million children in slavery and thus denied an education. Our major event for this campaign is the Global Night Shift happening on Friday 16 May at the Docklands.

Juggling this with my uni work and the fact that I sometimes write for Esperanto (the official student publication for the Caulfield campus) is going to be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it.

What will be your ideal career (and what will it involve) when you graduate?

My ambition is to become a foreign or political correspondent as I've always been fascinated with the world of law and politics. I also have a passion for travelling; It would be great to be able to merge a career goal with a lifelong passion. Journalism they say "gives a voice to the voiceless" and I feel that by choosing this career I can do my part in contributing to that voice.

What is it about your course that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

Its diversity. Its not merely restricted to "journalistic" aspects. You have to be well-versed in a myriad of areas and I feel this course gives aspiring journalists the opportunity to achieve that diversity.

Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?

If forced to pick I would have to say Greece. There's just something about white-washed houses against the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky that captivates me.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

"Be who you want to be, because at the end of the day, you answer only to yourself." My grandmother told me this and it really helps me. Knowing that you don't have to please people to get them to like you; you are who you are.

What is something about yourself that most of your fellow students wouldn't know?

I come from a massive family. I have about 28 family members, all living together under the one roof, as we have all my life. Even though everyone's ideals and individuality collides at times, I wouldn't trade them for the world. It has really taught me the meaning of patience though!

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