Linh Ma

A Dream Realised

[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 3, No. 2  12 May - 9 June 2008 ]

By Julie Fam and Melanie Del Monaco

Linh Ma dreamed of studying law at university as a high school student, but never thought it could one day become a reality. “I thought that it was unattainable for me since I came from a non-English speaking background and had only been in Australia a few years. Therefore I did not consider law an option at tertiary level.”

However, towards the end of her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, Linh heard of the University’s graduate law program – The Melbourne Juris Doctor. She applied and to her surprise was accepted. Linh says now, “I’ve never been happier. There is a real sense of community among the JD students and the lecturers and course directors are also very supportive”.

Linh acknowledges the help she received along the way to help achieve her dream. The University’s special access entry schemes, Access Melbourne and Graduate Access Melbourne, assisted Linh’s selection into the Bachelor of Commerce and Melbourne Juris Doctor.

Prior to this, as a student at St Albans Secondary College, Linh took part in the Melbourne Access Program for Schools (MAP), a University of Melbourne scheme designed to encourage and motivate selected students from diverse backgrounds to consider study at tertiary level.

Linh recalls a highlight of the program being the advice and study tips she received from the Unipals: current university students who act as mentors to school students taking part in MAP.

Now a Unipal herself, Linh relishes the opportunity to give back to the program that assisted her throughout her VCE years.

Julie Fam is the University of Melbourne’s Manager, Schools Programs. Melanie Del Monaco is the University’s Access Melbourne Oficer.

For more information about Access Melbourne and Graduate Access Melbourne visit: www.access.unimelb.edu.au


LINH MA’S TIPS FOR CURRENT SCHOOL STUDENTS:

Set challenging but achievable goals throughout your studies. This will help you get a sense of what you are working towards and will help motivate you. Once you have set your goals break them up into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Be consistent. It’s very easy to get distracted then fall into the habit of putting off your study. Having a study timetable helps to organise your time. Of course unexpected things sometimes arise, but when this happens it’s important to make up for lost time.

And keep fit and healthy. This will give you the energy to keep working towards your goals. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and find time to exercise. Your friends and family are also important so balancing study and your social/family life will help you get the support you need.

Both the Access Melbourne and Graduate Access Melbourne schemes helped me a lot in gaining a place both in my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. If you are eligible you should apply because it might just be what you need to get over the line.