Arts

Back in high school, I didn't want to be a politician – I thought politicians were these elites. My Mum used to work in a bar called The Albany Club, and I would go in there to see her after school and I'd see politicians and business owners. They were the big wigs in town: they made the big decisions and they made more money than us. I just never thought I would end up in parliament. Parliament was up on the hill and I was down here in state housing.

I chose the degree – and that was a life-changing choice. There are a lot of people who say 'don't do this or that', but it's usually the people who put themselves out who get to where they want eventually. Education is so important, because it offers direction to people. Follow what you like doing, throw yourself into it and be passionate about it – that's the main thing.

Trusting your lecturers and your own ability is key to being able to learn a new language, especially one as complex as Japanese.

Coming into the course without any previous formal training or experience learning a second language, was daunting. I was pleasantly surprised by the intensive nature of the course and the hands-on attitude of my lecturers, leading me to excel in ways I never expected.

I have been awarded the New Colombo Plan Scholarship for 2016, an Australian Government Scholarship that will assist me during my exchange studies at Kyoto Sangyo University. I am thrilled that I will be able to complete my Japanese language studies while actually living in Japan.