Appreciating The Little Things

Who knew a head massager could create such a picture perfect moment. Taken on the afternoon of the 17th of April, at a post university social gathering.  The photograph features Matthew Kane a first year journalism student relaxing and reflecting on his first semester as a full-time university student. Although describing his first semester at university as “challenging, hard and overwhelming” he is “extremely excited” for the future and hopes his dream goal of broadcast journalism is only a few years away. This photo is also a symbol for just one of many friendships that have been formed by new students within their first semester.

Matthew Kane appreciating a head massager after a finishing his first 8 weeks of univeristy

 

First Few Weeks

Blair Arnold a first year journalism student at the University of Wollongong reflects on his first weeks of university life after the transition from high school. As Blair enters the silent atmosphere of the library he begins to reflect about the changes and challenges he has overcome. He’s see a new world, somewhat distorted and although different he feels a subtle sense of excitement whilst being riddled with nerves at the same time. Although Blair thought we had been “thrown in the deep end” by cracking a series of lame jokes we broke down the ice. Leading to this photograph, which can be seen as a symbol of our initial friendship.

Blair Arnold’s image is reflected on a sculpture in the University Library

A Tangle of Chains

One Community 

A community of bikes not too far from the Uni Bar.

I captured this photo in my first weeks of university after coming from a local Catholic High School where we were all strictly dressed in uniform. Which is quite different to the university environment where people are free to express their individuality in however way they please. This allowed me to see the diverse range of people we have at the University of Wollongong. There are varying differences amongst students be it there personality traits, race, culture, religion, age, physical look or fashion style. I have captured this in my photography by using different bicycles around campus as a metaphor for differences amongst our UOW Community.

Individualism 

A “hipster” bike, leant up against the arts building.

Stumbling across this seemingly old fixed gear bike highlights the diverse range of people we have at the University of Wollongong. The bike is some what an individual, different from normal style you may see someone ridding to university. The “fixed” gear bike has been a favourite amongst those considered “hipsters” for quite some time therefore is a symbol for those who dress in that nature. The idea that hipsters are individuals helps support the idea of individuality at UOW. Individuality is important as it promotes diversification leading to an interesting and entertaining culture.