Page 15 - Luce 2016

J unior C o mmon Ro om

O-Week Quidditch College Ball
to have witnessed the introduction of Nina, that career pathways are complex begin to take for granted – like being
the documentary – and the ideas it and unique and that one must not be surrounded by a community of genuine,
propounds – to the college crescent. afraid to pursue the unusual or the kind, inspirational people. People from
Dr Powell must be commended for his ostensibly ‘unobtainable’. JCH fosters an both the SCR and the JCR – for at JCH
pivotal involvement in every aspect of acceptance of ‘the unique’, and it has the two mingle with ease and the latter
the process. General David Morrison been thoroughly refreshing to reside in draws strength from the former. Here we
AO’s Leadership Dinner speech was thus a community that allows one to explore form scars – what I like to call the ‘good
entirely fitting. With big shoes to fill after one’s unique passions, to perhaps even scars’. These are the memories that cut
outstanding speeches by Professor Gillian change tack, and eventually to discover deep – of the time spent in a stimulating,
Triggs in 2014 and Elizabeth Broderick in a way to begin to reach a desired career/ invigorating, enriching environment. Yes,
2015, General Morrison captivated us for lifestyle. Here at Janet Clarke Hall we this place is transient. The people come
the evening and stimulated much fruitful are fortunate to be in a community that and go. But the impressions made on one
conversation in the following days. allows us to push our boundaries, to another are still profound. JCH teaches
explore that which is unknown and also you to feel, to think outside the box, to
Andrea Goldsmith’s novel The Memory that which is perhaps less palatable. I have your own opinions and, perhaps
Trap and her Literature Dinner speech found that throughout the year it was most importantly, that there is someone
prompted us to reconsider how we important to remind oneself of this, and out there who’s always got your back.
perceive Melbourne, relationships – both to be grateful for it.
romantic and other – and the wider Shani Brampton
world. Furthermore, Ms Goldsmith For me, JCH will be remembered for the 2016 Student Club President
demonstrated, both through her speech laughter, the banter, the late nights, the May Dunn Scholar
and through the novel’s main character ridiculous, the everyday. The things you

Reflections from the College Chapel (continued on page 17)
‘What an incredible If I reflect upon who I was when I signed ‘I got to meet new and
privilege it has been, my name in that roll, I have to concede exciting people from
to earn my degree at that College has changed me in ways around the world.
Janet Clarke Hall. I did not expect to be changed at all – I have listened to
and it has not been a passive process. inspiring leaders and
As a woman, I Rather, I have become excited and eager world-class experts
take pride in our to learn from the hundred people living at various College
history. It’s a place within the same walls, and to give back events. I have joined
of equality and in turn all that I might have to offer. choirs and run choirs,
empowerment. Traditions upstanding, When I began, I didn’t know what I I have swum for the honour of JCH,
upright and unbent. It is a place where didn’t know. I didn’t know that it takes donated my precious lifeblood for the
customs and change coincide, the old not only warmth and friendship, but also Vampire Shield, participated in cultural
and the new coexist, side by side. It’s a self-discipline, to be a worthy member events such as Battle of the Bands and
place that fosters growth. of a community. I didn’t know how I Origins. I have run laps around the
might relate to the wider, adult world, beautiful city of Melbourne that I love
Upon departure, however, I think it is and I didn’t really know that I owed it to in various scavenger hunts … all around
important to look back to the beginning myself to be my best self, or even who studying for my Bachelor of Science.
and see the distance travelled. I signed that best self might be.
my name in the student roll, with It goes to show that the enriching
those who would become my friends, I still don’t definitively know these lifestyle I have experienced, and that
and following all those who had been things, but now I think I have a better is encouraged at JCH, was not one
through before. My scrawled signature is idea. solely focused on academic studies,
in esteemed company in that big book. but instead one that aims to achieve
I think I can say that JCH has been balance. I am constantly inspired by
Since 1886, we have all arrived at a home, not only for the mind, as a the people around me and I am truly
College with the intention of educating student at the University of Melbourne, thankful for being a part of the dynamic
ourselves, and gaining something from but for the whole person.’ and meaningful family that is JCH.’
the company of likeminded people.
However, our pursuits are not purely Annabel Livingstone (2014) Scott Santarossa (2014)
academic. Vera Moore Scholar Principal’s Scholar

J anet Clarke Hall 15