From new student to Student Ambassador – coming full circle at Eynesbury College
When Bernadette Perera first walked through the doors of Eynesbury College for Orientation, she was filled with uncertainty. Like many new international students, she wondered if she would make friends, succeed in her studies, and adapt to life in a completely new environment. Everything felt unfamiliar, and the future seemed full of questions.
Just 12 months later, she returned to those same doors, not as a new student, but as an alumna and Student Ambassador. The nerves had been replaced with confidence, and what had once felt overwhelming had become a powerful reminder of how far she had come.
The beginning of a new journey
For many students, orientation is their first introduction to life at Eynesbury College. Beyond learning about classes and campus facilities, it’s where friendships begin, support networks are formed, and students take their first steps towards achieving their goals.
Looking back, Bernadette reflects that those first information sessions became far more valuable than she initially realised.
“During my very first Orientation, the information sessions introduced me to concepts that were entirely new to me. I learned about academic integrity, academic support, and the wellbeing services available at the college. At the time, I didn’t realise how important these resources would become. Looking back now, I can honestly say that I’m grateful they existed. They became some of the greatest sources of support throughout my journey.”
Those resources helped shape her experience, providing the guidance and confidence she needed as she adjusted to studying in a new environment.
Learning that it’s okay to ask for help
One of the most important lessons Bernadette learned during her time at Eynesbury College was that success doesn’t have to be a solo journey.
Like many students, she initially felt she needed to navigate every challenge on her own. Over time, she discovered that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was one of the smartest decisions she could make.
The College’s academic support services helped strengthen her academic writing skills, giving her greater confidence in her studies. Those improvements ultimately helped her achieve something she had once only dreamed about: receiving a scholarship to Adelaide University.
Reflecting on that experience, she says: “Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It shows courage. It shows that you’re committed to your goals and willing to learn.”
Coming full circle
Returning to Orientation a year later as a Student Ambassador allowed Bernadette to welcome a new group of students beginning the same journey she had once started.
Standing alongside the other Student Ambassadors, she couldn’t help but think about the nervous student she had been just twelve months earlier. Looking back now, she realises how much can change in a relatively short time when you’re willing to embrace new opportunities and trust the process.
For new students beginning their own experience at Eynesbury College, Bernadette’s advice is simple: “Attend the sessions. Ask questions. Introduce yourself to new people. Take advantage of the support available and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You may not realise it today, but this is the beginning of a journey that can change your life.”
A year ago, Bernadette walked through the doors of Eynesbury College feeling uncertain about what lay ahead. Today, she returns with confidence, ready to inspire the next generation of students.
Her story is a powerful reminder that every international student begins with uncertainty, but with the right support, meaningful connections, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, remarkable personal and academic growth is possible.