Social Sport: a great way to connect

Hear from Social Sport Womens’ Netball Captains of the Brisbane and Gold Coast teams about why they enjoyed playing social sport, and why you should get involved!

By Misha Emingerova, from the Czech Republic – studying a Bachelor International Business, Nathan.

If someone asked me what netball was about four months ago, I would have most likely started describing handball. Although, I may still not be able to tell you any names of the professional netball players or what the best netball team is, I can now tell you that the game is a lot of fun and something I plan on doing for very long time to come.

After becoming a Griffith MATE at the beginning of this year, I realised that I enjoyed being actively involved in the university life and doing a bit more than attending lectures and sitting exams. I decided to join a sport team in order to meet new people whilst also getting fit. Netball, although I was not sure what kind of sport it was at that time, seemed to be the only right option for me as the other sports offered were soccer, futsal and football, which did not excite me at all!

Brisbane Womens’ Netball Captain Misha Emingerova (bottom left) and her team.

When I got a phone call from Student Linx asking me if I would like to become the netball team captain, I started second guessing my choice as I was not sure whether I would be a good team captain given I had literally no knowledge of the sport. However, I decided to go through with it, which now I am grateful for. None of the girls who joined my team knew how to play the sport, which gave me a bit more confidence. We all watched a few YouTube videos and learnt the rules by heart, but it was soon proved to us that knowing the rules and actually playing the game were two completely different things. 

Linking Students and Fauna, with Student Linx Bush Care!

On Saturday 18th May, Griffith students teamed up with Mt Gravatt State High School for an afternoon of Bush Care. Griffith MATE Malee shares her experience building a ‘pollinator link’, proving that Student Linx is about more than just linking students! 

By Malee Premachandra – studying a Bachelor of  Environmental Management (Natural Resources & Pollution), Nathan campus 

Griffith MATE and Student Linx Bush Carer, Malee, getting stuck into building the pollinator link.

On the 18^th of May I got the opportunity to join the cofounders; Sheamus O’Conner and Laurie Deacon of the Mt Gravatt State High School pollinator link project, through Student Linx Bush Care volunteers.

The aim of the Mt Gravatt State High School pollinator link between Mt Gravatt conservation reserve and Norman Creek catchment is to connect bush lands through a linked system for pollinators; birds, bees and butterflies. Moreover, this project creates a communal project that gives the opportunity for a variation of people, such as school and university students, locals and environment groups to work on.

Griffith MATES head to Straddy with Wild Mob

My name is Lucas Aidar, I’m taking a Bachelor of Science in the Environment at Griffith University and I just came back from the Wild Mob trip. Although it was an amazing experience being part of a clean up in one of Australia’s most beautiful islands, it was also a big reality check. There was so much rubbish, it made me sad. The amount of plastic packaging, disposable containers, bottles, fishing lines and cigarette butts we found in just one beach, on one island, in one country was unbelievable. It definitely made me re-think some of my habits, and I encourage everyone to take part in a trip like this one, so we can appreciate nature more, and plastic bottles less. Thanks Griffith Mates and Wild Mob!

Feature: Saeed Shaeri

1. Who I am
My name is Saeed Shaeri. I am from Tehran, the capital city of Iran. I am 34 years old. I graduated with a Master of Coastal Engineering degree 12 years ago and have been working as a consultant engineer since then. I am currently a PhD student at the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management and School of Engineering, and have recently entered my second year. I am really enjoying my study and research.

2. What I’m researching about
My main research interests are erosion and accretion of beaches. I am also very enthusiastic to learn more about the physics of the ocean and processes involved in altering our beaches in our changing environment.

3. Why I’m interested in these studies?
Natural resources are very important for human beings. Not only what we have nowadays can affect different parts of our life, but also what our successors need to have, should be managed and prepared by our self at this stage. If we over-use or miss-use this world’s existing natural wealth, there would be nothing left valuable for the future.

4. What is my career plan for the future
One of my main concerns is how to make my research practical for general usage in the future. I mean if it is just a pure research, no one can benefit from the outcomes and then it would just be a waste of time and budget. Hence, not only do I participate in different communities to know more about the actual needs of the area they inhabit, but I also try to forecast what is expected in the future. In such a way, I am also designing my future career plan as a consultant scientist.

Global Networking Function: Recap

The Global Networking Function was a fun night for all involved. Nervous students entered the room, having no one they previously knew, and began to mingle. Projected on the walls were photographs of previous students exchange adventures and as students gazed upon all the amazing things Griffith students had done in the past, they began to get excited for their journey ahead.

The night began with a speech from the Pro Vice Chancellor Chris Madden who had everyone laughing from his story about the time he had to use the International SOS Insurance. He congratulated all students on making the great choice to go overseas and to be a part of such a wonderful opportunity.

Activities then began and students that were about to undertake an exchange program had the opportunity to chat with students from their countries. They were given all sorts of tips on where to go, what to do and how to act. Everyone took Polaroid pictures with their newly formed friends and stuck them on a huge map of the world that was pinned to a wall. As photos of students began to go up all over the map, we began to feel that Griffith really could take students all over the world!

Students from Griffith Uni literally come from all over the world!

An array of food was served and everyone mingled some more, making connections and having fun. As the night came to an end, students left the bar with new friends, tips and a spark of excitement in their eyes for their journey ahead!

To see more pictures, click on the Student Linx Facebook page

Hope for Emily Fundraiser 2013

By Reuben Fenemore – studying a Bachelor of Music, South Bank

At present, LYME disease is an unfamiliar disease to most people. In fact, in Australia, it is currently an unrecognised disease. Imagine if you were suddenly diagnosed with this unknown LYME disease and there were no ready cures? This was the setback fellow Griffith student, Emily Madden, was faced with. Diagnosed in July 2012 with LYME disease, she has had to resort to flying over to Germany to receive treatment.

Want to know more about LYME disease? Come along to the Hope for Emily Fundraiser, organised through Griffith ENACTUS by Vice President of Music and Medicine, Reuben Fenemore. Sharon Whiteman, president of the LYME Disease Association of Australia, will be in attendance to provide in-depth information on LYME disease. She will outline the causes, the symptoms and strategies to prevent contracting the disease. This fundraiser aims to raise awareness of LYME disease and how to prevent it and support those few who are suffering. It is anticipated that LYME disease could be a topic of interest for students studying medicine and science. This potentially provides opportunities for future study and research into this peculiar disease.

Join us on Friday 10th May at South Bank’s Ship Inn for an evening of light classical chamber music, featuring chamber groups from the Queensland Conservatorium. Come along to find out more about LYME disease and show your support for fellow Griffith student, Emily Madden. Light snacks will be provided and drinks will be available to purchase. The fundraiser is open to the everyone – so don’t forget to invite your friends and family!