In 2020, I applied to be a Residence Leader (RL) in Deakin Residential Services for the 2021 academic session, and thus my journey as a leader in Deakin University started. Consequently, at the end of the second quarter, I commenced training in a diverse team of 40 other Residential leaders, also selected to play the role across Deakin Geelong campuses.

My decision to apply for the position was spurred by ongoing events in the world at the time. With the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many were and are still challenged by the transition to physical resumption to the university. I witnessed fellow students; Australian residents and international students like myself suffer homesickness and mental distress and decided I could be of help by throwing my hat in the ring.

On commencing my role, a major part of my responsibilities as an RL was to provide transitional support and act as the first point of contact for Deakin residence​. I concurrently attended training and leadership development programs, met with Deakin staff, as well as planned, facilitated, and promoted a broad range of residential activities, campaigns, and events in a bid to recognize and refer student safety, welfare, and behavioural concerns to campus staff.​

I went above and beyond to meet my responsibilities as RL. Most notably, I set up the now-famous Papa’s weekly poll in a bid to break the ice and foster connection with new residents, as well as serve as a positive refresher to start the week. The poll was run on the DRS’ Facebook page after I noticed the page was idle. The first few polls were set up by me, but over time, it began to generate interest and we raked hundreds of views each week and people began to drop suggestions to the next week’s polls on questions they wanted to be seen, this feedback was then collated and passed through our values system and then published. This was a formative experience for me in learning the importance of listening as a leader. With time, residents began to see a leader as well as a friend in me, which in turn gave me a good knowledge of residents’ names and wellbeing, and as such, I was always able to look out for various individual needs and seek out residents who may have been missing from the public eye.

In Trimester 1 of 2021, I had to lead during the inter-trimester residence event when a scheduling conundrum occurred. The event fell within a break, a period where students would rather go home to spend time with family and friends. I had planned a trip to Sydney together with colleagues, it then happened that all other resident leaders had their break planned for as well and were not willing to reschedule. It is provided that at least a resident leader be present in any of the Deakin residential service (DRS) events, I felt I owed it to myself and my commitment to the DRS team, I postponed my trip and stood up to the responsibility of being a resident leader. The event, a two-day trip to the Deakin Warrnambool campus, turned out just as well and was a smooth success. I chaperoned residents as we were given a tour of the city, enjoyed a good meal, and wrapped the day off at an outdoor cinema with a play that educated us on the richness of Australian history and culture.

This experience imparted to me the value of sacrifice for the greater good as a leader, as residents raved about how much they enjoyed the day and gave feedback on the trip, which I believe will contribute to even more successful events in the future.

As an RL, events organized by the team and I characteristically designed to encourage residents to establish social ties, offer opportunities to learn, and bolster the well-being of our residents turned out to be mutually beneficial to me as well. I began to realize improvements and efficiencies in my communication skills, diplomacy as an art and skill became important to me as I was able to deploy tact in knotty situations where multiple individuals are involved in decision-making. As my network inevitably expanded, I became more persuasive as I needed to seek collaboration or request help where necessary from my colleagues, residents, and staff. Most importantly, I became more open and conscious of the diversity around me vis-a-vis cultural and geographical backgrounds, sexuality, mental health amongst others. In working with and for different groups of people, I engaged in the various cultural events that contributed to my knowledge and awareness and I gained a more sensitive side which I believe will help me listen better in any future leadership roles.

All these and more led to me becoming much more adept at delivering tasks and executing ideas and made my contribution to the amazing community of DEAKIN's Residential Services more rewarding.