Self Expression at Uni

EXPRESSIONself AT UNIAND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

By Sarah Carroll

University can be a confusing time, but it’s also a place for freedom and openness, to work out who you really are and what you really want in life.

Katie and Brianna are QUT students, studying Biomedical Science and Social Work respectively. I met these girls at the recent QUT Guild Ball where they stood out for their bold choices in appearance, from Katie’s shaved head to Brianna’s sizeable back tattoo. I spoke to the girls about the importance of expression, especially at university, and how it helps create you.

HAVE YOU GOTTEN MUCH NEGATIVITY ABOUT THESE THINGS?

Katie: People didn’t really expect me to be someone who would shave their head but no one has been really negative about it.

Brianna: The only negativity I have gotten about my tattoos has been from my family. However, I recognise that they are from another generation. My dad is especially concerned about employability and an aunty who believes I am just following a ‘trend’. I have family who don’t really understand things like self-expression and personal autonomy.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR MAIN SUPPORT BASE IN EXPRESSING YOURSELF?

Katie: I didn’t really have a support base. I kind of went “this is something I want to do, so I’m going to do it”. I didn’t really feel like I needed someone to suggest it or agree with it.

Brianna: I have a group of friends who have been a great support base. We are very like-minded in that we are big advocates for self-expression, body positivity and supporting individuality. It’s an environment with no judgement and that’s really refreshing.

DO YOU FEEL UNI IS A SAFE SPACE FOR PERSONAL EXPRESSION?

Katie: I think uni is a great place to express yourself. Most people are of similar age and are starting to learn who they are and where they fit in the world, which means wearing different clothes, different amounts of makeup and styling your hair differently. I’ve definitely learnt how I’m most comfortable expressing myself since being at uni. Most people love to see you express yourself in a way that makes you comfortable and happy.

Brianna: Absolutely. There are thousands of people from all different counties, cultures and religions at uni. There are people with different interests and different backgrounds, and I feel that at uni there is no ‘right’ way to be. You’re free to have different political standings, different niche hobbies and interests, and I think all this difference and individuality is expressed in the way we can present ourselves.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AT UNI?

Brianna: I feel the way I express myself and present myself is very reflective of who I am. When I graduated high school in 2012 and started my first uni degree I especially felt that it was the first opportunity I had to express myself fully and without judgement. This process really helped me find myself and discover what was important to me (as corny as that sounds).

HAS IT MADE YOU FEEL DIFFERENT IN ANY WAY? (E.G. EMPOWERED, CONNECTED, VULNERABLE ETC.)

Katie: I think the biggest difference I’ve found is that people don’t actually care as much as I thought they would. I thought I would get so much judgement or questioning on my choice. But people care less about how we look than we actually think they do. It’s made me worry less about how I look than I used to. I used to worry that someone would think something negative about me based on how I dressed. But now, I really couldn’t care less about what other people think because I know most of them don’t care either.

Brianna: I’ve definitely felt more empowered after these past few years of starting social work and expressing my individuality more freely. Ignoring the scrutiny and deciding to get my tattoos meant I felt like I had more control over my body than ever before. I often preach self-love, body positivity and ignoring negative body rhetoric, and I’m glad that I’m able to confidently practice what I preach. I express myself in ways which are unconventional, and against the status quo, but, I’ve never been happier with the way I look and how I feel.

10 people you have in EVERY CLASS

By JESS PERKINS

1. The person who asks all the questions, even if they’re stupid.

You’re interrupting my in-class zen moment with your incessant questioning. The teacher doesn’t even know your name, so you can stop asking so many questions and just learn to ride the wave of failure like the rest of us. Okay pal?

2. Latecomers

We all know someone who walks in with 20 minutes of class to go, because something happens to “come up” on that day at that time every week. Oh and, something else just came up, so “I have to leave early” while we’re at it. But at least my name is now marked on the attendance sheet.

3. Mr. Knowitall

There’s always one person in every class who thinks they know the answer to everything. And even when their answer makes no sense whatsoever, they always unnecessarily answer with too much confidence. Shut up.

4. THE THOTTY NAIL TYPIST

Please stop slamming each key with your long af nails, you are seriously getting in the way of my ability to learn. How do you go about your day with those nails?

5. Note takers who insist on writing by hand

Okay buddy, it’s the 21st century and we’re in week 10 of uni. Cut the week 1 “I’m a good student” episode and just become a lazy laptop user like the rest of us. We’re all sick of you asking the tutor to go back on the slides.

6. The shopaholic

Who needs uni when you can waste money on a smashing outfit for Friday night in Brisvegas??? There’s no better time than class to online shop. Am I right or am I right? Make sure you check out those UniDays discounts while stocks last!!!

7. The person who sits up the front of every class

Homie, not sure if you know this but we can hear the exact same information by sitting at the back of the classroom. You’re blocking my view of the empty seats.

8. The opinionated guy who argues with every topic discussed

This is the bloke who would waste his time arguing with NASA that the earth is flat, and still think he’s right.

9. The borrower

It’s week 11 and this person still comes to class unprepared and asks everyone around them for a pen, a piece of paper, a ruler, some lunch and maybe even your notes for the final exam. Who are you? Do you even belong in this class?

10. The person who uses class to catch up on sleep

We all get through uni relying on our daily naps, but this guy’s naps are costing him $50 000.