Connection points: how one student is building community at home and abroad.

It’s remarkable that second-year Bachelor of Science student Rayaca Tayabally has time for any classes at all. From her home in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Rayaca is not only President of the International Students Association, but also the President of Western’s Science Society. Both of these associations had been started some years ago, but had been dormant for several years after previous student leaders had graduated, leaving vacancies in the leadership of the volunteer-run groups.

Rayaca’s rejuvenation of Western’s Science Society this year came about because she saw a need for science students to collaborate, socialise and learn from each other more, and she felt the Science Society could meet those needs. “There isn’t enough career support in Science because it’s such a broad term,” Rayaca told us. “Through the Science Society we are exposing students to different industries to help them decide what career path they want to take.”

Image: Rayaca at home in Sri Lanka. Photo: Supplied.

The Science Society is currently facilitating a series of talks from scientists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds as part of Diversity Fest. “There’s been a lot of positive feedback,” said Rayaca, “both from Science students and also students from other disciplines, which is really nice.” Rayaca is hoping that the Science Society can continue to deliver exciting events for students and staff. Hosting an inter-university science competition and a student cultural show are among the ideas the Society is currently evaluating for 2022.

As an International student in the time of Covid, Rayaca saw a need amongst her International student cohort for more support and collaboration, and decided to reactivate the International Students Association as a platform for International students to connect with each other, find support, ask and answer questions and find friends who are facing the same challenges and rewards of studying in a new country.

Covid has thrown up new trials for Western’s International student community. When campuses closed in March last year, Western’s International students headed back to their home countries, and government restrictions have meant they have not been allowed back since. That didn’t put a stop to their learning though. The transition to online meant that students had to attend classes in Australian time, regardless of what time zone they were living in. Some International students also struggle with poor-quality internet connections. “I’m lucky,” said Rayaca, “in that I live in Colombo, the capital. But I know quite a few students in rural Sri Lanka who have terrible internet connections. I had to pay for a separate internet connection to my home just for my studies because the wifi I share with my sister and parents just wasn’t strong enough, I needed a dedicated connection. But even that isn’t enough in some parts of Sri Lanka, I don’t know how those students (in rural areas) can study.”

As well as practical support, the International Students Association also helps build friendships and support systems for students who help each other out with everything from internet connectivity issues to navigating the Australian Visa application processes. “It’s nice to have friends who know what it’s like to be in the situation you’re in,” said Rayaca.

Though challenging, Rayaca’s experience of online learning has given her some unforgettable moments. “Last semester I took Genetics with Dr. Gabriel Perrone, and I absolutely loved it,” Rayaca said. “I wasn’t just learning because I had to but because I wanted to know more. It was a tough subject but really enjoyable. Dr. Perrone’s teaching style is amazing because during the pandemic, he helped with the transition to online really well and he made Zoom really interactive and fun. You could tell he put in the extra effort to make classes interesting for students.”

Rayaca has found strong support outside of the classroom, too. “Dr Kamali Kannangara never taught me directly but she’s been incredibly helpful with support when I’ve needed it, she’s always been there,” said Rayaca. “She’s very proactive and really wants to improve the student experience. She really wants students to have the best possible experience at university.”

Students can get involved in the Science Society and International Students Society via the following online platforms:

Science Society:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WSUsciencesociety

Instagram: @wsusciencesociety

Email: wsusciencesociety@student.westernsydney.edu.au

International Students Association:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesternSydneyISA

Instagram: @wsyd_isa

Email: wsisa@student.westernsydney.edu.au