Committee Member Info

Learn About Us

Executive Committee:

 

President: Jesslyn Alexis Andriono (Jess)

Date of Birth: 10/12/2004

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Design in Computing and Software Systems and UX Design

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  Like many others, I began my journey as an International Student Ambassador and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! I'm keen to make sure international student voices are heard, creating awesome campus experiences, and building a community where everyone feels welcome. Beyond that, I was genuinely excited about making new friends and meeting inspiring people—and I’m happy to say, I achieved exactly that!

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I'm a SEA LIFE annual pass holder.

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  The Woolworths app because meticulously planning my grocery shops soothes me.

 

Vice-President (Education and Welfare): Yuxuan Liu (Linda)

Date of Birth: 3/18/2003

Country of Origin: China

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I initially joined the ISA program that UMSU INTL provided, hoping to make more friends in Melbourne. I decided to join the UMSU INTL committee as a welfare officer in 2023 after being encouraged by a few friends. (Fun fact: I met all of them from the ISA program! Proof that my initial goal was achieved.) Honestly that has been one of the decisions I've made, I learnt so much about leadership, events coordination and teamwork skills. This year, I decided to take on a greater challenge in my current role as Education & Welfare VP. This position has helped me build up my resilience, time management skills and interpersonal skills. I have been loving my team and thoroughly enjoying my time in UMSU INTL. If you have any questions regarding this position, feel free to drop by for a chat at the UMSU INTL Lounge! 

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Mango sorbet!  "Vibrant, fun and refreshing to be around, mango is also tropical weather fruit (summer season) just like your kind hearted and warm personality, also balance of sweet and sour"- from a close friend, i thought was pretty accurate :D 

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  My water bottle! I got the bottle after I received my first few paycheck in Melbourne and the colour is beautiful, I bring it everywhere even though it doesn't fit into most of my bags, not to mention it keeps me hydrated <33 

 

Vice-President (Cultural and Social): Korakot Saingam (Kayden)

Date of Birth: 6/6/2002

Country of Origin: Thailand

Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I see this as an opportunity for personal growth, to meet new people, take on greater responsibilities, and give back to UMSU International, as it provided me with invaluable support when I first moved here.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I once grabbed and threw a wild snake because it was trying to bite my dog.
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Thai tea because I’m Thai.

 

Vice-President (Media and Marketing): Zhao He Kok (Zhao)

Date of Birth: 9/27/2004

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the committee after working together with UMSU INTL for a while as an ISA. I really enjoyed participating in our events, as everyone was so friendly and easy to work with. Eventually, I decided to apply for the committee to contribute back to the students, and here I am today!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  I'd probably be pistachio flavoured, because not everyone likes me but those who do really love me (and I'm just kinda salty tbh)
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  I can't live without Kanye West's discography because his music is just too good.

 

Secretary: Qi Evelyn Wang

Date of Birth: 12/24/2003

Country of Origin: Singapore

Bachelor of Biomedicine in Neuroscience

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I loved being an officer previously and wanted to contribute more to the international community. I was also incentivised by having the opportunity to work alongside my friends (and make new ones) and to develop communication skills. This has definitely been an interesting experience.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I can only do a perfect split on my left side and not my right because my dance teacher only sat on that leg when I was younger...

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Mint chocolate, because it is so polarising and people have strong opinions about it. 

 

Treasurer: Seoyoun Kim (Youn) 

Date of Birth: 1/1/2004

Country of Origin: Korea

Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Screen & Cultural Studies

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the UMSU INTL committee because I wanted to challenge myself by doing things I hadn't tried before, while also helping international students!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Strawberry - cause I love it…
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Movie - cause I love watching movies

 

Media and Marketing:

Director: Wanying Lao (Winnie)

Date of Birth: 1/30/2003

Country of Origin: China

Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I got to know UMSU INTL through my ISA experience in 2023. I enjoyed the time working with UMSU INTL and the efforts being made to yield the best uni experience for international students. While seeing this as an opportunity to connect with peers who come from different cultural backgrounds and crave to make a small impact on the community, here I am!

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Matcha — mellow and refreshing, you are gonna like the aftertaste and me:)

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Can't be without music! It's doing magic to my mood and energy.

 

Officers: 

Made Vinaya Wiharsa

Date of Birth: 11/28/2004

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Media & Communications

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the committee to meet new friends from diverse backgrounds while also contributing to the super fun events that UMSU INTL holds. Also loved the idea of putting my social media addiction to use by making fun contents for the committee, so here I am!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Definitely matcha! a little bit bitter but mostly sweet (I promise)
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Makeup! Literally the most effective therapy for me, also love how it helps me not look like a rat

 

Alyssa Reswari

Date of Birth: 8/11/2006

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the committee because it felt like the perfect opportunity to grow, learn, and give back :). I wanted to meet new people, do what I love, and do some good to the community. UMSU INTL felt like the best place to make that happen!
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I once dressed up as a graphing calculator in my high school's costume day and won best dressed!
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  My multi-colored zebra pen that I have been carrying around for years now. Most reliable and comfy pen I've ever met. I’ve yet to find one like it.

 

Ashley Oetomo

Date of Birth: 12/17/2004

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I wanted to explore marketing more as my major is more tailored towards business and I found that UMSU Intl would be a great place to do it! I loved seeing all the different events and wanted to be part of it so I could help bring other people the same joy I got when I saw them.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I am allergic to the sun, it takes only a few hours before I start breaking out into hives!!
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  My doll that's shaped like a dog, I got it from birth and it's been with me ever since, so it brings me a lot of comfort and good feelings.

 

Cultural and Social: 

Officers: 

Xin Huai Lee (Aceline)

Date of Birth: 10/7/2005

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Commerce

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I was struck by the dynamic atmosphere among the committees and considered enhancing my profile. I feel thankful for the lasting memories I've created and the wonderful individuals I've connected with, becoming close friends in the process.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself: 
  I studied in 3 different high schools

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  Sunblock, I have weird anxiety towards skin cancer.

 

Shreeyukta Adhikari

Date of Birth: 7/2/2005

Country of Origin: Nepal

Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies and Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I saw the post about the UMSU International elections on Instagram during my first semester, and at that time, I didn’t even know what an ISA was. However, I felt I should get involved in university life because, during the first 2-3 months after arriving here, I was homesick and mostly just attended classes without exploring much else. UMSU International helped me break out of that bubble by creating a sense of community and belonging for international students like me. Seeing their events and activities made me realize there was so much more to university than academics, and I wanted to contribute to that environment. It felt like a chance to not only connect with others but also help other students who might be feeling the same way I did when I first arrived. Joining UMSU International has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, as it gave me the opportunity to make lifelong friends, gain confidence, and actively shape the experiences of others in our diverse and vibrant community. 

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  I feel like I'd be a rocky road ice cream?? quite loud, chatterbox and chunk of chaos yet sweet. I don't know, it's always fun, a bit messy and pretty much impossible to ignore (because yk you cant ignore chocolate with marshmallow toppings).

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  The one thing I can't live without is my blanket. It doesn’t matter if it’s the dead of summer or the middle of winter, my childhood blanket is my constant companion. I’ll wrap myself in it like a burrito no matter the temperature. It's my ultimate comfort, and honestly, I’m convinced it has magical powers to make everything better. And to be exact, I have been using this blanket since I was in grade 8  (its old but not dirty guys).

 

Ynez Wu

Date of Birth: 11/17/2005

Country of Origin: Hong Kong

Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I joined the UMSU INTL committee to connect with a diverse range of students and enrich my experience as an international student at university. I wanted to help build a more vibrant and supportive community where international students feel at home, regardless of their backgrounds. Being part of this committee enables me to play a role in creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus culture.
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  Genmaicha - chill and subtle at first, but quirky and fun once you get to know me. like how its earthy flavour surprises with every taste.
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  Siu mai -  it’s my favourite dimsum!

Isaac Hung Nguong Hii

Date of Birth: 9/23/2005

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I had some free time on my hands and thought it would be exciting to join a community of students dedicated to organizing events and giving back to students. Plus I thought it would be fun to get to know more people.
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  I am Oak flavoured because I am as wise as oak, as strong as an oak and as majestic as an oak.
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  I cannot live without the almighty Saquon Barkley (American football player). To many he heals the sick, for some he cures the blind, to me he is the one that brings light to my world.

 

Shamika Sharma 

Date of Birth: 5/13/2004

Country of Origin: India

Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I joined the UMSU International committee because of the influence of my roommate (😂), my passion for participating in university events on a larger scale, and a desire to foster a sense of community among students. I wanted to contribute meaningfully and feel a sense of responsibility in making the university experience more inclusive and engaging for everyone.
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  I’d say I’m cookies and cream—classic with a twist! I bring a mix of reliability and surprises, blending a bit of sweetness with fun little bursts of energy, just like the cookie chunks. Plus, who doesn’t love cookies and cream?
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Coffee, without a doubt! It’s my daily fuel, my productivity booster, and my excuse for mid-day cafe runs. It’s also why Melbourne, with its amazing coffee culture, feels like the ultimate place for me!

 

Raunak Raghavan

Date of Birth: 2/24/2005

Country of Origin: India

Bachelor of Commerce

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  UMSU INTL brings the heart and soul to our university experience, creating some of the most iconic flagship moments of our student life. To be a part of these moments and help in creating them for other students felt like an unmissable opportunity! Also, the wonderful people you get to work with, make sitting through the weekly meetings a bit more bearable.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I learned how to ride a cycle and drive a car in the same year. I have lived across 5 different countries across 3 continents.
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Cookies and cream - some people like the chunk.

 

Minh Dat Nguyen (Damian)

Date of Birth: 10/30/2004

Country of Origin: Vietnam

Bachelor of Commerce

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  At the start, I only joined hoping to contribute to all of the community that I got to be a part of in the university. However, during the elections, I got to meet all these amazing people and it further pushed me to try harder, and this has led me to have the best of times with some of the funniest people I have ever met.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself: 
  I actually initially applied as an M&M officer, and was the only one who failed to get the position. However, Kayden and Zhao He encouraged me to apply again as a C&S officer during co-option after we got close and here I am.

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  Definitely music. I literally cannot do anything without music at all. I have a playlist for most moods and chores. If you see me outside, I probably have my airpods in.

 

Education:

Director: Tiffany Auyeung

Date of Birth: 6/29/2004

Country of Origin: Philippines

Bachelor of Commerce

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I joined UMSU INTL committee as I wanted to be a voice for international students, advocating for the challenges they face, and work closely with the University of Melbourne to address and improve those issues. Furthermore, I wanted to make a positive impact on the international student community by organising and creating meaningful events that foster connection and inclusivity on campus. Joining UMSU INTL not only provided me with a sense of community, but also introduced me to the most kind-hearted, genuine, smart, supportive, and easygoing friends who made every moment of this journey unforgettable and worthwhile.

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  Strawberry! Cause i'm sweet, approachable, and lighthearted <3 and i really love anything berry flavored!

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  Stomach Meds (Pantoprazole) - without it I'll die from stomachache and miss out on the good things in life

 

Officers:

Momoka Honda

Date of Birth: 8/21/2005

Country of Origin: Japan

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I joined UMSU International because of its close-knit community and its vision to enhance the uni experience for international students. As someone who grew up in a multicultural background, I deeply resonated with its commitment to create welcoming environments for students like myself <3.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself: 
  I don't eat sushi…
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  Mixed fruit!! Because I can do the most unexpected things out of nowhere.

 

Yin-Xi Chloe Lin

Date of Birth: 5/27/2004

Country of Origin: Singapore

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I started off volunteering at brekkie as an ISA to be more involved on campus outside of uni classes without expecting much from the programme. I ended up enjoying the friendly environment UMSUi provided and spontaneously decided to run for the committee as well! I’m grateful for both experiences or I wouldn’t have met some of my closest friends in uni :)

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  Pistachio, it’s a subtle but consistent flavour.

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  Sitcoms, I’ve watched so many of them and I could always use more recommendations!

 

Irina Gabriella Ananda

Date of Birth: 1/20/2005

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Commerce

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why: 
  I first got to learn about the UMSU INTL committee from my time as an International Student Ambassador where I got to see what the committee does and how they work to help students. This made me realise that I wanted to be more involved in the student community and improve the university experience for students. Being an international student myself, I believed I could relate to a lot of the concerns and issues international students often face at the university. Because of this, I was particularly motivated to advocate for, and contribute towards, the international student body here at the university!
• Give us a fun fact about yourself: 
  I moved around a lot growing up so I've lived in 4 different countries so far.. and counting!
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why: 
  My glampalm hair straightener because it never disappoints.

 

Pavitra Ravi

Date of Birth: 3/24/2003

Country of Origin: India

Master of Biotechnology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the UMSU INTL committee because I wanted to be part of a diverse group, meet new people, and build meaningful friendships while doing something valuable for the community. I am a person who loves to be involved in team activities, especially managing events and coordinating people. The UMSU International Committee represents everything I am interested in and want to contribute to, and I thought, 'This is something I’m good at and can enjoy—so why not?'

• Give us a fun fact about yourself: 
  I can look at any colour and tell which colours are mixed and in what ratio to get that exact shade. (I'm kind of good at art I guess)

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  I think I am Pistachio because I look plain and simple but actually burst with flavour. (I'm a fun person, just introverted)

 

Olivia Lin

Date of Birth: 7/30/2005

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Bachelor of Biomedicine

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  Being part of the ISA programme showed me how fun and interesting UMSU INTL is and motivated me to join! It is also an amazing way to meet people from different backgrounds and make meaningful connections!
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I once accidentally got my hand stuck in a hand mixer…
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  JAMOCHA ALMOND AND FUDGE, best flavour ever!! Flavour is unpredictable because of the mocha swirls, kind of like how unpredictable my life is…

 

Welfare:

Director: Aerizqa Aisyah Rakhmadani

Date of Birth: 10/23/2005

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications and Cultural Studies

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I loved my time as an ISA and loved interacting with the previous committee! They made me feel so welcomed as an international student. This made me decide to run as welfare director to try and become that figure for other international students <3
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I have been in a LOT of fandoms. Except for the gaming scene, and some western music sub-genre scenes that I just can’t seem to get into. As for other scenes though .. I most likely have obsessed over it some time during the 20 years I’ve lived...
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why: 
  Strawberry ice cream! Because you will always catch me wearing something pink and I guess I’m just sweet like that … ?

 

Officers:

Isabelle Hung Ching Hii

Date of Birth: 5/26/2004

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Biomedicine

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I decided to join the UMSU INTL Committee because I wanted to be part of a welcoming community at uni and believe in the power of support and connection to make the student experience better.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I love dessert so much, it’s totally normal for it to be my first meal of the day!

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  I’d be salted caramel because whenever I cook, I always end up burning the pan......

 

Kathryn Wang (Kat)

Date of Birth: 7/6/2004

Country of Origin: China

Bachelor of Design in Architecture

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  My roommate (now my vice president - but no nepotism here I promise!) was in the 2023/2024 UMSU-i committee! Through her, I got to know the good vibes and wide variety of events, which eventually encouraged me to join too!
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I became an ordained minister on January 1st 2023! Let me officiate your wedding :)
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Peach Oolong from I-Scream (highly recommend) because it’s a good combination of not-too-sweet whilst still having (some) depth!

 

Jeasy Chhun

Date of Birth: 2/22/2002

Country of Origin: Cambodia

Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Finanace

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I initially joined UMSU INTL as an International Student Ambassador (ISA) to become more engaged in university life. I have witnessed the positive impact of UMSU INTL’s events on students, such as the International Free Breakfast and the Exam Pack Giveaway. This experience sparked my interest in event organisation, which led me to take on the role of Welfare Officer.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I love listening to Rotten Mango for mystery and thriller content 👻

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Bubble milk tea. One cup a day keeps the sadness away.

 

Cornellius Salim (Cornel) 

Date of Birth: 3/12/2003

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Systems

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  The events in UMSU INTL made me join the committee. They came from various departments: Education, Welfare, Cultural and Social, Media and Marketing, Partnership and Sponsorship, Human Resource, and Graduate. This allowed me to explore and reflect what UMSU INTL looks like. Some international students had a hard time adjusting to university life. Finding affordable meals, making new friends, or embracing good mental health to name a few. My compassion towards international students is the reason that brought me to join the UMSU INTL committee, specifically the Welfare department.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I do not swear in everyday life.

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Vanilla, because it is often associated with purity, simplicity, serenity and elegance.

 

Jasmine Qawiemah Matakim Leong

Date of Birth: 7/8/2003

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  When I first knew about UMSU INTL, I was impressed with not only how the events were creative and fun, but also how the events had a positive impact on the students the events were catered towards. I wanted to join the committee to contribute towards this impact - specifically, as a psychology student, I wanted to use my knowledge and passion for mental health to come up with events that support the well-being of my fellow students.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  One of my goals in life is to finish reading all of Agatha Christie's books!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Red bean ice cream: it's a little sweet and a little savoury - it's a balance of things, which is something I appreciate in all areas of life.

 

Daakshayani Negi (Daaksha)

Date of Birth: 3/24/2004

Country of Origin: Singapore

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the UMSU INTL committee to meet new people and I love working in a team setting, so it’s the perfect opportunity to collaborate and contribute to create meaningful experiences for students.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I’ve always had a dog in my life—literally, I’ve never spent a year without one!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  I think I’m Butterscotch ice cream—I’m a little classic, a bit surprising, and always add that extra touch to make everything better!

 

Partnership and Sponsorship:

Director: Ella Jiayu Liang

Date of Birth: 11/12/2004

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I wanted to gain more experience in event planning/organisation. But most importantly, I wanted to meet new people and make new friends. Being part of UMSU INTL has helped me fulfill these initial goals, but also given me many additional skills.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I know how to play 3 instruments
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  My friends - because they bring so much warmth, fun, and happiness in my life.

 

Officer:

Laavanya Negi

Date of Birth: 2/14/2005

Country of Origin: India

Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Marketing

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I used to attend events organised by UMSU intl for the free food, but the amazing volunteers I met and talked to during those events made me want to be a part of that amazing team! Being a part of UMSU INTL is, to me, a way of trying to make students’ university experience better and (hopefully) more fun.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I have a scar on my left arm from putting toothpaste on a burn after following some advice I saw on tiktok. Needless to say, I no longer take health advice from social media anymore!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  I think I’m a chocolate fudge flavour, because a) that’s one of the best ice cream flavours out there, and b) I’m always there for my friends to lend an ear and a helping hand, providing some comfort just like a chocolate fudge pint does for me.

 

Human Resources:

Director: Kayven Claus Satrio

Date of Birth: 11/24/2004

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Bachelor of Biomedicine

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  UMSU INTL has always been a place where I am able to meet with a lot of incredible people and immersed in a diverse community that shares the same passion and values. Moreover, it is a place where I could make a positive impact towards both international and domestic students studying at the University of Melbourne.

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I eat dumplings with rice HAHAHAHA

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Pistachio, I think it’s a unique and sophistacted taste that not a lot of people like or usually choose as their favorite ice cream flavour. Which that unconventionality really speaks about me where I tend to seek out new experiences that are different and unique.

 

Officers:

Suhas Agrawal

Date of Birth: 10/1/2005

Country of Origin: India

Bachelor of Science in Computer and Software Systems

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I had first started off as an ISA and absolutely loved the experience. The committee members at the time were incredibly friendly and lovely people to work with. I think the most important aspect about this experience was that it gave me a sense of community while also having fun and working at the same time as an ISA. That combination and the opportunity to move up the ladder in the student union made me want to join the committee.
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I love going on solo adventures. So much so that when I was younger, I managed to get lost in more than five different countries while traveling with my parents (oopsie). Turns out, my sense of direction wasn’t as adventurous as myself!
• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  I’d definitely be chocolate. First, chocolate is my favorite flavor. Second, I believe that chocolate blends well with most other flavors giving an even better taste, I want to blend well with other people's personalities, creating fun and understanding in every interaction.

 

Kaelyn Miranda

Date of Birth: 9/27/2006

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I first started my journey as an ISA, where I never thought I’d gain so many new, amazing friends and experiences that really fulfilled me outside my academic life here. I truly enjoyed being a part of this community, hence I decided to join the UMSUi committee this year to further develop my bonds and skill sets!! It’s given me a sense of purpose, learning opportunities, as well as a lovely group of friends / family to work with and rely on in uni <3

• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  I once received a “looks like a cinnamon roll but could kill you” award during my high school graduation lol kind of hints my past obsession with Harley Quinn

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Tough pick but I’d say watching dramas - whether it’s Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, Korean, or Western series I love them all (and their songsss) hehe so whenever I’m “busy” or M.I.A for some time you know why 🫣

 

Jasmine Low

Date of Birth: 4/1/2004

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I’m passionate about contributing back to the community and wanted to make international students feel like they have another home away from home. Being part of the committee allows me to meet new friends and create long lasting memories throughout my university life!

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Probably cranberry, has both sweet and sour in flavour :p

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  My diary, it carries all my past, and will be carrying my future <3

 

Graduate:

Director: Shruthi Tharmia Prabhushankar

Date of Birth: 01/17/2022

Country of Origin: India

Masters of Biotechnology

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  As an international student, I understand the challenges we face in an entirely new environment completely different from where we are brought up in. I was passionate about creating opportunities, connections and a sense of belonging for every one of us. 

• What flavour of ice cream do you think you are and why:
  Vanilla - simple, classic and versatile just like me, always ready to adapt and mingle.

• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  Probably my playlists. Music sets the tone and atmosphere whenever I work on an assignment or even chores. I have a specific soundtrack for every little thing I do.

 

Officer: 

Smruti Jitendra Mhalgi

Date of Birth: 12/11/2022

Country of Origin: India

Masters of Biomedical Science

• What made you join the UMSU INTL Committee and why:
  I joined the UMSU INTL committee because as an international student, I know how it feels to miss home, and accidentally eat Vegemite thinking it's chocolate spread. I wanted to help other students not just survive Melbourne’s unpredictable weather and tram delays but thrive in this wild and wonderful place. Plus, I heard there might be free snacks at meetings, and who can say no to that?
• Give us a fun fact about yourself:
  My research is about how hunger impacts decision-making, and yet I can’t decide what to eat for lunch most days. Life imitates research, apparently.
• What is one thing you can’t live without and why:
  My fuzzy socks. They’re my comfort zone, my winter armor, and my excuse to never leave the couch.