Have you ever wondered about the intricate web of current affairs and international diplomacy?
Meet Tahlia, a remarkable student pursuing a degree in international relations, Chinese, and strategic studies.
Tahlia’s love for exploring new horizons began at a young age. She’s a seasoned traveller, having visited an impressive 21 countries. These early experiences, travelling with her parents, ignited her curiosity about different cultures and way of life. It was during these adventures that she found herself increasingly drawn to the intricate web of international politics.
Driven by her passion for understanding global dynamics, Tahlia decided to major in international relations. Additionally, she wanted the challenge of learning a new language, which led her to study mandarin, recognising the immense value it holds in her future career prospects. Tahlia was determined to challenge herself and learn more about Chinese culture.
Hr university experience has been nothing sort of exciting. She finds learning mandarin both enjoyable and, at times, challenging. Nevertheless, her lecturers and tutors have fostered a welcoming environment that makes the process of learning enjoyable, even for students who aren’t native speakers. Tahlia greatly values the camaraderie among her peers, as this supportive network enhances the learning experience. Their unwavering support has played a pivotal role in her university journey.
Her decision to pursue international relations and Chinese was made shortly after graduation from high school. Tahlia dedicates the best part of her degree to the lively discussions that occur in class. She thrives on the exchange of ideas and the analysis of current events, linking them to her studies and broader theories.
“Seeing news articles about certain events then discussing them with the class helps to understand world events as they happen and also help to relate them into my studies and assessments.”
Balancing the demands of studies, juggling multiple jobs, and nurturing a social life can be a formidable challenge. Tahlia recognises the significance of effective communication with her work and the importance of setting realistic expectations to stay on course. She’s a firm believer in getting a head start on assignments, acknowledging that it’s no walk in the park, but she’s all about making it work. Although this can be a challenge for students, she also encourages students not to forget to spend time with family, friends and hobbies, and to keep a healthy balance.
Amidst the challenges, Tahlia remains eager to pursue her studies where she hopes it will take her globally one day. She’s excited to see where her degree will lead her, providing the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of diplomacy and gain invaluable first-hand insights into its real-world applications.
Reflecting on her university journey, Tahlia offers valuable advice to her first-year self and other students. She emphasises the importance of balance, stressing that overdoing it can sometimes lead to worse outcomes. It’s essential to give yourself the time you need and not just the time you think you need. Starting assignments early helps reduce stress as deadlines approach.
“I think that it is important to have that balance. I’ve very much learned that sometimes you just have to give yourself the time you need to do it, rather than the time you think you need. And start things early so that you’re not as stressed when it comes to it.”
After graduating, Tahlia’s future is wide open. While she’s not entirely certain of her post-graduation path, her interest in diplomacy remains steadfast. She envisions working in the field of International Relations but is open to various possibilities. NGOS and organizations like Global Voices hold a particular appeal for her as they align with her desire to contribute to solving critical global issues.
