Back to St Hilda’s: One more lap around the crescent

Pema Deane

While there are many new faces around college, there are also a lot of us returning for a second or third year. Compared to arriving for the first time, everything is a lot more familiar, but often there are still many new responsibilities and experiences to explore. I talked to second-year returners Talya and Josh and also interviewed third-year returner Dempsey, wanting to hear about their experiences at college, what leadership roles they have at the college, and what they are most looking forward to for this year!

What made you decide to come back to Hilda’s for the second year?

I came back to Hilda’s because it feels like a great home away from home. I find that I am very happy and comfortable here and I am still trying to navigate myself around Melbourne, and those qualities about Hilda’s makes it easier and more enjoyable to do so. 

Talya

I really enjoy living in a community where I can participate in a wide variety of activities with a diverse group of people. Knowing this, I am eager to continue building friendships and enjoying many more fun events for the second year.

Josh

And Dempsey, what made you decide to come back to college for the third year?

Being someone who was only originally going to stay at Hilda’s for one year, I was originally quite on the fence about staying for a third year. However, the college has offered me so many unique opportunities- unique jobs, roles, events and such- that are not otherwise as easy to obtain. Also being someone who is somewhat introverted, college has given me the opportunity to come out of my shell and easily meet people from many walks of life. I’m very excited to see what my third year brings!

Dempsey

Do you have any leadership roles at the college this year? If so, what do they involve?

I got selected to be the athletics captain this year, which I am really keen for as I have been running since I was very little and am excited to lead our team this year at the college athletics carnival.  

Talya

This year, I am the Development Convenor as part of the Student Club. In this role, my main responsibilities are organising and coordinating merchandise and sponsorships for the student club. I chose this role as I saw a chance to expand on our current merch collection, and also to be involved with the decision making in the Student Club!

Josh

This year, I’ve become one of the two ‘Academic Interns’, a new paid role for third years at Hilda’s. Our job is to act as a student support and perspective towards academic concerns from residents, and to help staff to put on academic-related events at the college. I’m very keen to develop this role and hopefully make some positive changes to academic culture at Hilda’s!

Dempsey

What event from last year did you most enjoy, and what event are you most excited for this year?

My favourite events were Hilda’s Day and Boat Cruise, both of which I am really keen to do again this year. I really enjoyed Hilda’s day last year, it was on the first week back of second semester and so was the first time catching up with all my college friends. Everyone was excited and got around all the day’s festivities. We had an entire day (morning to night) planned which was really well organised and fun.

Talya

Christmas in September and the Skills auction which followed was certainly a highlight for me- a great night to remember. This year, I am most excited for the intercollegiate soccer competition, as I believe we are in for a strong chance to compete well!

Josh

I’m looking forward to the play this year- the show which is in store is one that holds a special place in my heart and I’m sure many will enjoy it once all is revealed! Getting to be a featured role in Hilda’s first show since 2019, ‘Heathers: The Musical’, was an amazing experience, and one that I’d love to replicate somehow in 2023.

Dempsey

How does it feel coming back to college as a returner for the first time as opposed to a fresher?

As much as I loved being a fresher, with all the new experiences it could be very full on. Coming back to Hilda’s to all my friends and knowing how everything works has been really enjoyable!

Talya

As a returner it definitely feels nice to have the knowledge from a year at Hilda’s, however I do somewhat miss the feeling of every experience being new.

Josh

And for the final question, I asked Dempsey what her favourite moment from the last two years has been:

My favourite moment from the last two years would have to be my involvement in the Intercollegiate Battle of the Bands. I was involved in organising it as an in-person event for the first time in three years, and it was an absolute blast. From getting to meet and support people from other colleges, to being in the Hilda’s band, to watching my peers perform in front of such a large crowd, I hope that it continues to be a memorable event in the coming years.

Dempsey

Thanks Talya, Josh and Dempsey for taking the time to answer these questions, and I hope it’s given some insight into the returner perspective, and what students are looking forward to about college the second/third time round!