Verse Magazine Edition 27

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CONTENTS Edition 27 | May - June 2019

02 Editor’s Letter 04 A Humble Guide to Your Zen Space 10 Imagine: Brian Bolado 16 Songs to Reflect and Gaze at the Stars 18 Pages 19 Fragmented 20 Cake 22 Apology in Three Sequences 23 I Complete Me 24 Visualising Health - Match Studio

30 Humans of UniSA 34 Horoscopes: The Signs as Sports 36 An Ode to Footy 37 Rock Climbing: More than a Hippy Sport 38 Mind over Body 40 Photography: Joshua Lamb 44 Space Jam: The Hijab Edition 46 Interview: Dr Evangeline Mantzioris 50 Photography: Sarah Langley 52 Unisa Campuses Review 54 Photography: Jordan White 56

What's On Calendar

57 USASA President: Grace Dixon 58 USASA Advocacy Column 60 USASA Club Feature: UniSA Buddies 62 Helpmann Academy Above Image Tom Little • page 46 for more Cover Image

Joshua Lamb We respectfully acknowledge the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations Peoples and their Elders past, present, and emerging, who are the First Nations’ traditional owners of the land that are now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

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EDITOR'S LETTER Edition 27 Head Editor | Ryan Colsey

To all our readers, welcome to Edition 27 of Verse Magazine and congratulations on continuing your studies beyond the census date.

With uni back in full swing we’ve been out and about at all four Campus Fairs, handing out free t-shirts and connecting with students young and old to encourage them to read and maybe even submit some of their own work to us too.

The theme for this edition is Zen | Health | Lifestyle and as a result we’ve had a wide range of submissions. You will find the more ‘Zen’ themed works towards the front, followed by the ‘Health and Lifestyle’ submissions.

Our Graphic-Designer-turned-journalist, Oliver, spoke with West Thebarton guitarist Brian Bolado, while the rest of our editorial team have put together some great features including a UniSA version of Humans of New York, a review of the Helpmann Academy, and an interview with one of Adelaide’s leading dieticians, who has busted some of the most common food myths out there.

This is my last edition as Head Editor, after which Annabel will be in charge for Edition 28.

It’s been a pleasure, and I wish everyone the best in 2019.

Head Editor Ryan Colsey | Co-Head Editor Tanner Muller | Co-Head Editor A nnabel Bowles Communications and Digital Editor Geena Ho | Graphic Designer Oliver White | Printer Newst yle Print Design & Production Consultant Jack son Polley | Design & Production Consultant Rachael Sharman

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily representative of the views of USASA or the editors.

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Created by students for students

Verse Magazine Submit @ versemag.com.au

Opinion

A Humble Guide to Your Zen Space

Words by Zoe Kassiotis Illustration by Dessy Georgescu

As a self-proclaimed overachieving stress-head, I’m no stranger to the odd guided meditation session. However, since flying the coop, I’ve come to appreciate that your space, whether it’s a room in your parent’s house, a corner of shared accommodation, or a place of your very own, is sacred. This precious space can provide some much needed tranquillity for the grind of a part-time working, full-time studying, social life having and fitness maintaining, modern student. Tried and tested (and tested and tested), here are some ways to bring some Zen into your space.

Music If you happen to spend a lot of time alone, like me, then you’ll probably have also found yourself in a relationship with music. Music is hands down my go-to way of alleviating loneliness and putting a spring in my sleepdeprived step. My favourite album to cook, eat, sway and study to right now is Scenery by Emily King. Oh and even if you’re not musically gifted, having an instrument around to tinker with is literally Zen on strings. Experiment with the notes of your musically talented housemate’s ukulele or harmonica … just don’t tell your neighbours it was my idea.

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Zoe Kassiotis

Light

Plants

Natural light: it makes flowers bloom and birds

You know who loves catching dem rays as

sing, so there’s no surprise it’s a real mood

much as us? Our foliage friends … so next

booster for us humans. Allow the sun into your

time you’re at your local market or Bunnings,

space and feel positively invigorated for it.

why not snatch up a five-dollar succulent? I

Alas, at this time of the year old mate sunshine

promise the accomplishment of nourishing

doesn’t seem to want to spend as much time

life into your friend will make you hella happy.

with us, and for that we have the humble (and

There’s definitely some truth to all that our

affordable) salt lamp. Let the crystallised

primary school teachers told us about plants

honey-orange glow become your very own

using carbon dioxide to release oxygen. Yay

makeshift sun. Whether or not you buy into the

photosynthesis. Though I warn you, plants

associated health benefits of this Himalayan

and tattoos have one thing in common:

creation, it’s deffo a must-have addition to your

they’re mighty addictive. I hereby challenge

calm. I don’t think I’ve turned mine off since

you to transform your space into a whimsical

May 2017. Hello ambiance.

bohemian minimalist sanctuary.

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Opinion

Diffuser I think it has become rather apparent that engaging the senses is a crucial part of that Zen life. When we’re consciously in tune with our senses we have a deeper awareness of our surroundings and investing in an essential oil diffuser is a great way to achieve this. My diffuser is absolutely my best friend and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Her name is Jasmine and she Netflixes and (literally) chills with me, sleeps next to me and gets ready with me. Quite the intimate relationship isn’t it? Look, if my crippled finances weren’t that of a struggling uni student, then I’d for sure have an oil diffuser in every room. Get yourself faithful Jasmine and feed her with lavender oil to chillax in times of stress or peppermint oil to energise when that mid-semester lethargy strikes.

Yoga mat You’d be surprised how much more inclined you are to a downward dog or two when your yoga mat has a permanent home on the floor.

Turns out the gruelling effort of reaching to the depths of your wardrobe and contending with a film of dust and cobwebs is enough to deter you from unrolling that ancient artefact, I mean, yoga mat … who knew. So leave it out, perhaps by a window, and start your day cross-legged on your yoga mat, basking in the sun with breakfast (yes, students, breakfast).

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Zoe Kassiotis

Cosy corner This is a place for you to be unapologetically you. A place for you to ponder, rest, reflect, smile, cry, love and just be. Things to include in your cosy corner: throw rug, books, herbal tea, travel trinkets, photos, artwork, chocolate, candles, quotes and anything that brings you clarity of mind. Basically this is a space to engage your senses and surround yourself with stuffs that make you feel good. â—ź

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Imagine

IMAGINE: West Thebarton guitarist Brian Bolado Interview conducted by Oliver White Images supplied by Brian Bolado

After transferring from law to communication design, all while touring around the world with West Thebarton, Verse designer Oliver White speaks to Brian Bolado about his dramatic degree change and the nuances of wellbeing while on tour.

Brian Bolado, flash photography, 2019 photo by Nick Astanei (@nnixz)

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Brian Bolado

Tell us a bit about your creative background. Who is Brian Bolado and how did he get here?

My name’s Brian Bolado. I’m the only child of two Filipino migrants who worked super hard to give me a good education ahead of my twenties.

I also have a tattoo of a mango on my arm.

I didn’t have any siblings growing up so I spent most of my childhood being creative or trying to be creative. I had heaps of coloured pencils, crayons and textas which meant I was always drawing, colouring and making up games or stories.

After high school, I took an interest in art, graphic design and photography but held it at arm’s length. I felt like I had missed the boat to hone my skills to the standard of people whose work I looked up to. After mulling it over for months, I quit my job last year and started studying again. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What enticed you into the field of communication design after pursuing law?

Design is the degree I’ve always meant to do. I honestly thought about doing it after graduating high school but fell into the trap of a traditional career and financial security. I studied law and enjoyed aspects of it but, as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t identify with other students or people who practised it.

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Imagine

I worked a couple of years in health regulation before pulling up stumps and studying design.

I came to the understanding that I needed work that engaged my creativity. Some people walk into work, switch off, do the job and leave like clockwork, but I couldn’t. I found it more and more difficult to find a sense of fulfilment and purpose there, so I looked at my options.

Even though I thought about studying teaching and urban planning, my mind kept wandering back to design. I figured there was a good reason for it. I spoke with a few friends about the course and they felt like it would really suit me.

They weren’t wrong. It ties together all of my interests – art, photography, literature, history, philosophy – in a way that looks forward. It’s developing as a discipline and that’s what I like about it.

Being the guitarist of West Thebarton, I see you go on some lengthy tours. How do you settle back in to normality after travelling for extended periods of time?

Most Australian tours run for a month or two over weekends. There’s plenty of early rises, late nights, waiting around, bad food and sleepdeprived tension to keep you busy. It can be an absolute grind on you both physically and mentally.

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Brian Bolado

"There’s plenty of early rises, late nights, waiting around, bad food and sleep-deprived tension to keep you busy. It can be an absolute grind on you both physically and mentally."

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Imagine

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Brian Bolado

I find the normality of routine to be pretty therapeutic. I like to do boring things like cooking, reading, running, swimming and riding my bike, so if I can tick off most of those

How does your background in music and law influence your design process?

Law’s pretty different to music and design.

within the week, I’m pretty happy.

It’s more structured and methodical but I

Could you tell us about maintaining healthy

communicating ideas, interpreting language

wellbeing while on tour?

and constructing arguments.

guess my background’s helped with

It’s hard to say whether or not music has a It can be tough, that’s for sure. There’s a lot

direct influence, but I’ve definitely learned a few

sitting around – in planes, lounges, cars,

things about song writing and performing:

soundcheck, cafes – so it’s good to make the most of the time on your feet when you’re

• Go with the flow and chase that idea as far as it

not doing any of those things. In Europe, we

takes you.

travelled across land by coach, so I brought

• You come up with good ideas (sometimes), bad

my runners and ran every few days.

ideas (always) and that’s okay.

Recently, I’ve been trying and go for a

• Lay it down and come back to it tomorrow.

swim wherever there’s a pool around. We’ve

• You can work on something for as long as you

also made an effort to plan ahead and look

like. Nothing helps more than showing people

for a decent place for a feed these days but

you trust.

sometimes we’re so time poor that we have to settle on something.

I just do my best to enjoy every stage of the

Between weekends, I ride every day then

process these days. Having two creative outlets,

run or swim a few times, but I tend to do that

both professional and personal, is a pretty

even if we’re not on the road. I figured if this is

fortunate position to be in.

something we’re going to do long-term, I better get on top of it and look after myself so the tour

Do you have any advice for others looking to

lifestyle doesn’t avalanche out of control.

change career paths?

In terms of mental health, we try and give each other the space and support needed. We

Talk about it. Chat to your friends, family, peers

talk on the regular and see each other every

and staff. Chances are they’ve done something

week. Most of the band have dealt with mental

similar or know someone who has and are all

health in the past so it’s encouraging to be part

the better for doing so. It helps to reframe what

of family that’s super understanding. Killer

you don’t like about your current career path,

shows and rehearsals are great but it means

into what you personally need from a career. ◼

next to nothing if your best mates are having a hard time.

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Spotlight

Songs to Reflect and Gaze at the Stars Words by Tanner Muller Illustration by Oliver White

@VerseMag Listen to the playlist through our Spotify!

Tanner Muller

1 My Heart Is Full

Norah Jones 2 Jupiter Kelela 3 Lost in Neon

Marconi Union 4 Desafío Arca 5 Paths

Sea Oleena 6 What Did I Do

The Correspondents 7 The Ghost of You

Caro Emerald 8 You Have Another Lover

Kill J 9 Blissing Me Björk 10 Two Weeks

FKA Twigs 11 Just a Memory (feat. Regina Spektor) ODESZA 12 Takk…

Sigur Rós 13 Water Sign

East Forest 14 Paradise Circus

Massive Attack 15 It’s Okay to Cry SOPHIE

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Poetry

PAGES Words by Olivia Madonna Illustration by Oliver White

I love the idea that words can take you to another place.

Reading a book takes you into a completely different world, a world where you forget all your troubles.

Where you can live the characters’ lives, feel their sadness, share their happiness and grief their losses.

You are transported to a few blissful moments in another universe.

You are completely and utterly content in a world where your problems do not exist, where you do not exist.

Every page turn engulfs your spirit and the eagerness to continue on pulls you in deeper until you no longer feel alone.

Every word speaks to you as you allow yourself to descend into the depths of the pages, unwilling to return back into the real world.

And before you know it, the last page interrupts your time of contentment and returns you back to reality; allowing you to explore once more.

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Poetry

Fragmented Words by Vanajakumari Vanity Transitory Remya Illustration by Oliver White

Paths untrodden, winding ceaseless: memories one or two crushed here and there hue-less dry leaves in mind, ambiguous fragrance, wind kissed blossoms never in full bloom! an idle dawn rosary behind the door, prayers unanswered cold nightscurled into warm blankets perturbed sleep, passionate snoring, smell of wood and varnish nasal infections coughing laughs. double images in mirror: envy with fear lingering of multiple hopes anguish reins supreme! one question and too many answers confusions of choice. an abyss in the darkbroken words, emotions pain unexpressed intermittent subdued cries; a birth here and a death there.. interplay of souls!

I’m pregnant with fragmented reverie: my senses fail to comprehend sense and time, put me into the realm of silence let me lie there dormant, dormant, my eyes wide open with slumberless dreams‌

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Creative Writing

CAKE

Do we do great work in spite – or because – of our suffering?

Words and Images by Isla

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Isla

I

was in the winter of my life. Deeply thirsty for purpose,

desperately in search for meaning. Despite the agony that is depression, I did not want to deny myself the experience. I did not want to bury or delegitimize it; I did not want to be restricted by the very things that tormented me.

I did my best to hold off the demons that sought to destroy me by creating an artificial state where the grotesque was explored. A place where both emotion and intellect could work together; a place where uncomfortable became adaptive. This state both thrilled and terrified me, and in the most wondrous and brutal way I lost myself in a kaleidoscopic world of ‘dark’ and its negative connotations. I became vulnerable in a way that was not weakness. I became vulnerable in a way that birthed innovation, creativity, and change.

Baking allowed me to keep the monsters at bay whilst expressing the ever-shifting desires of my heart. Baking became enlivening, life-affirming, and exactly what I needed to re-engage with the potential of my life. Baking

became a flow state, where I got so lost in the task it became meditative, holistic.

Self-destruction turned into self-preservation, and I found solace in the engrossing rush of it. I nurtured the places where clarity and energy emerged from, in a territory bordering dreams and reality. Through baking, I was able to understand conflict without necessarily living in it.

And so, welcome to my brainchild – a world I call my own. A world transfixed by the phenomenon that is cake. A world that greets the odd with a smile. A world so wildly and absurdly decadently tasteful. A world that keeps the viewer suspended between attraction and repulsion. A world where sensitivity is used to navigate difficult paths in life. A world where every ingredient has its own texture and taste, and each cake has its own history and personality. A world of potions, and dim themes.

I have always been strangely comfortable with the peculiar. Seeing a heart-wrenching phrase on a cake - one of the most identified and hopeful expressions of care - does not distress me. In fact, I feel mildly comforted by it. ◼

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Poetry

Apology in three sequences Words by Arnis Silvia

1.

Reasons A long train of excuses Running on the rail of defense

3.

Understand me You said that as if I selfish if I did not accept your apology

Its loads are:

In the most instant way that you

Running out of time

want it to be

Having no chances to tell Being too tired to make it up

There was a long train in me And the passengers are

I am a disappointed passenger

disappointment,

Sitting on a brown cold seat

rejection,

of an empty wagon

disapproval

my brain was instantly switched off

waiting too long

your long train of excuses

to be served

does not even have my name

to mend

on one of its passenger lists

to treat to recuperate to recover So I am sitting in your wagon

2.

While walking in a train of my mind Sorry You’re sorry for not doing

My train is busy serving its passenger

what you’re supposed to do

One by one, sweet and kind

you’re sorry for not making

Rushing, each passenger should be quickly fine

a situation better

In this very moment, they cannot whine

instead of being sorry for hurting me

I breathe and I hope my passengers are calm

And I have to say “I forgive you”

or deeply hurt

And when I say I do

or deeply numb

That means I don’t need to elaborate

who can tell?

What happened actually

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Or how I felt really

I am getting back to my cold brown leather seat

It was bragging – in your dictionary

Your train is still running

So when I do explain about how I feel

My tears are still falling

It makes you feel guilty,

You go back to sequence number two

and I have to say sorry

And to cover my wound, I said “I forgive you”

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Creative Writing

I complete me Words by Jordan Byrne Illustration by Lucas Shaw

Y

ou have been going through a tough time.

Tough may mean difficult, but tough also means being able to endure hardship and

pain. Endure, now that’s what you will do. Look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘pain is only temporary’ because it is just that, temporary.

That throbbing pain in your heart, that anxious feeling in your stomach will fade. Day by day you will feel fuller, fuller with life as now you will no longer dim your light in fear of outshining others because those who truly love you will celebrate your achievements as you do theirs. You will embrace those who are there for you and cut ties with those who aren’t.

It’s important to expose the gentle, raw, tenderness of your heart to others. Yet, have the perseverance and power to fight for yourself when needed. The world we live in is both savage and beautiful, to survive and thrive you must be both the deer and the wolf.

You will take care of yourself. Now there’s a strange concept. Putting yourself first may feel strange as you’re so used to putting yourself second, third, fourth even, but no you are first, and should always be first in the

game of life.You know where you truly live? In that head of yours, and that is the home that needs spring cleaning because it’s the only one you’ve got. Surround yourself with doers and dreamers, who inspire you to be the best 'you' imaginable, to get out of bed and make your day an adventure. Surround yourself with thinkers and believers, who will stimulate that overfuelled mind of yours to create a better world than you live in today because there are bigger things to worry about than what’s happening now. If it's not something that will impact your life in five years then it isn’t worth worrying about now.

Prioritize. Prioritize presence over hustle, compassion over judgment, progress over perfection, and community over competition.

You are now done. Done trying to figure out who is with you, against you, or wandering around between the two. Life is way too short to leave the key to your happiness in someone else’s hands. So take it, it's yours. Take charge in forming the life you want for yourself, to build the future you deserve, because only one person can: you. ◼

Spotlight

visualising mental health

Words by Ethan Haylock Photos supplied by Match Studio

Mental wellbeing is often neglected when students struggle to balance study with work, home and their social lives. Whether you suffer from a mental illness or not, maintaining a healthy mind is

important for success at Uni. Unfortunately, the complexity of many psychological concepts means that most people don’t know how to deal with specific mental health challenges in practical ways.

Match Studio is aiming to change that with their ongoing Visualising Mental Health initiative.

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Match Studio

O

ver the past four years Visualising Mental Health has allowed psychologists and third-year Communication Design students

to collaborate and develop unique solutions that address specific aspects of mental health within the wider community. Led by Course Coordinator Dr Doreen Donovan, students are briefed by Psychology and Health Forum Manager Dr Gareth Furber, and Match Studio Director Dr Jane Andrew. Students are then divided into small teams and tasked with developing a professional communication piece based on a mental health related topic.

This year’s topics are Emotions, Courtesy,

Empathy. Throughout the process, psychologists from a number of different backgrounds work with the students to help turn abstract mental health concepts into viable outcomes. This year’s student work will be exhibited at the Kerry Packer Gallery in the Hawke Building from October 8th to the 14th, to coincide with Mental Health Week. At the opening night, representatives from the Australian Psychological Society and the Psychology and Health Forum will assess the designs and select some to receive awards, with the potential for prototype testing and trial within a professional setting.

Evidence in Health, Mental Fitness and

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Spotlight

"Designers are taught to be objective when coming up with solutions, but understanding that aspects of mental health are ubiquitous certainly helped in the success of the project."

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As a recent design graduate, I took part in

After a preliminary client presentation,

the project during its second year of operation.

we narrowed our three concepts down to one;

The design team made up of Isabella Whittaker,

a card game called Deal With It. The game

Sarah Fazzini, Sarae Morella and myself were

subtly conveys the principles of CBT, while also

tasked with adapting the principles of Cognitive

encouraging players to manage stressful or

Behavioural Therapy (CBT) into a design

problematic scenarios creatively. Our targeted

piece. CBT can treat an array of mental health

demographic are young adults and our goal

problems; in a general sense it helps people

is to broaden CBT into a social context. The

change unhealthy or unproductive aspects of

main feature of Deal With It, and perhaps what

their life. One of the foundational ideas behind

exemplifies the tenants of CBT most clearly, are

CBT is that thoughts, actions and emotions are

cards based around ‘think’, ‘act’ and ‘feel’.

interconnected. This would end up informing the outcome of our design more than anything else.

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Spotlight

The game would begin with the dealer

These were essentially the rules of play at

distributing three ‘think’, three ‘act’ and three

the time of assessment, however, during the

Amitea

‘feel’ cards to each player. The dealer would

game's development this changed frequently.

then draw a card that shows the character Olivia Hill | Leigh Down | Adam Lockier | Chloe Grimes trait each player must get in the mindset of,

My group and I struggled to make something

and then another card showing the scenario Amitea is a tea-based product that is designed which thatbuild character faces. Fromand their allocated to help social connections to stimulate cards players draw one ‘think’, one ‘act’ conversations about emotions that can beand to talk out about. one uncomfortable ‘feel’ card, reading their completed Amitea some customisable invitations scenario inincludes order, building a narrative in the to hi-tea, a play on the concept of high-tea, that is a process. Through discussion the group would great way of meeting new people. When hosting a thenhi-tea, unanimously the be round’s winner. the teabagdecide labels can used as prompts for asking questions that canon help people to Winning could be dependent many things: express emotions more easily. whether thetheir thoughts, actions and feelings fit Amitea is targeted at elderly people, particularly the specified character trait, whether a positive those that are in or moving into aged care. However, outcome is reached, ormany how other creative theasplayer it is also suitable for groups a way is of in justifying their choice of about cards.emotions that are engaging in conversations sometimes seen as being off-limits.

accurately portraying CBT and other aspects

FLYER

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that was both fun and engaging while also of mental illness. I eventually drew on my own experience with mental health to inform the project’s development, as it helped recontextualise the concept. Designers are taught to be objective when coming up with solutions, but understanding that aspects of mental health are ubiquitous certainly helped in the continued success of the project.

Match Studio

Last year, Deal With It was one of two Visualising Mental Health projects from 2017 selected for prototype development through SA Health’s Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and their South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grant scheme. The other is Amitea, a tea-based product created by Olivia Hill, Leigh Down, Adam Lockier and Chloe Grimes. Targeted towards the elderly population, Amitea is designed to help build social connections and stimulate conversations about uncomfortable emotions.

With Dr Melinda Gaughwin as design lead, Isabella Whittaker and myself have been working hard to redesign Deal With It for use within a clinical setting, which has included changing the name to Let’s Deal With It, as we found it to be more gentle. We have also redesigned the game’s logo, rules, and packaging.

Most bachelor-level design projects never extend beyond a hypothetical form and concepts remain stuck in portfolios. University is one of the only avenues where unique design ideas are shared without budget constraints, which grants some design projects to be developed further. What makes Match Studio so unique is that it filters and utilises students’ creative concepts into reality. Having dealt with my own mental health issues and seeing the stress and anxiety many students go through, I understand the importance of communicating and finding solutions that have both an individual and broader impact. By establishing this collaborative framework between psychologists and designers, Visualising Mental Health is able to address both aspects of the issue. ◼

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Humans of UniSA: Edition #27 Everyone has a story. A defining moment of their existence that makes them the person they are today. For Humans of UniSA, we delve into the depths of human nature and speak with some students to discover a slice of their personal history.

Humans of UniSA

Chloe Cannell PhD Creative Writing

I feel as though I’ve always been shy, but there has certainly been a progression in myself. The person I am now is nowhere near the person I was back then. I’m so much more confident with who I am and the university setting has, in

Interview conducted by Tanner Muller

a way, allowed me to gain the voice I thought I

Image supplied by Oliver White

never had. I’m able to speak about my opinions in this environment and to have that received in such a positive way is humbling. I’ve always trusted in my intelligence, but had insecurity about it at the same time. Undergoing my study has reassured me that I do have a voice and it’s important for me to have one.

What drives me most about my research is raising the voice of the queer community. I’ve always been interested in exploring diversity and I’m stumped by this idea that if you don’t fit within a certain mould, you are considered different and, often times, are discriminated against because of this. It really makes you consider ‘what is normal?’ and the assumptions surrounding that. I myself have fallen victim to this ‘othering’ because of my uniqueness. But, if there were any piece of advice that I would give to my younger self, it would be to own your weirdness and to love that aspect of yourself.

As I mentioned before, I have always been a bit reserved, and as I reflect back on my high school experience I was the typical quiet girl.

In saying that, I eventually found my place and became this massive music nerd. My friends and I would always go out to these gigs every Friday night. I cannot emphasise enough in saying that we were the biggest fangirls back then, to the point where some of us would write fan fiction and even stalk our favourite musicians on social media, in hopes of getting recognised. It was a lot of hard work, you know, and I have the biggest respect for any fangirl out there. I won’t drop any names of the bands we admired to save myself the embarrassment, but let’s just say there were quite a few local names.

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Humans of UniSA

Josphanie Loh Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

My name is Josphanie. Lots of people, when they hear ‘Josphanie’, their first reaction will just be ‘huh?’. But then I’ll explain how I came up with my name. So my name, ‘Josphanie’, is actually ‘Josephine’ plus ‘Stephanie’ because I didn’t

Interview conducted by Geena Ho

really want to have a name that’s similar to

Image supplied by Oliver White

someone else. I wanted to have a unique name.

I chose my name before I came to Australia.

I’m from Malaysia. It’s common for us to choose our own English names if your parents didn’t choose one for you. I grew up in a part of south Malaysia called Johor Bahru. It’s a smaller city. It’s not like Melbourne or Sydney or those big cities. It’s kind of similar to Adelaide. But Adelaide’s quiet and more peaceful.

When I first came to Australia, I was completely homesick. When I was in Malaysia, my parents pretty much did everything for me like the laundry, dinner, and breakfast. They covered everything for me. Actually, the reason why I’m studying accounting now came from my mum’s ideas. My dream was originally to be a fashion designer and I wanted to study fashion design but my mum said it’s competitive. Even if you step into it, you’ll either be very famous or no one will know you. So she said accounting is a better choice because you can learn a professional skill. It’s a more stable job.

When I was studying in high school, bookkeeping was one of my best subjects. I got good marks in it. That’s another reason why I chose accounting rather than fashion design.

Plus, I had never touched any fashion design stuff before so I was kind of afraid that maybe I couldn’t handle it. But I still like to design and decorate stuff. So when I have spare time, I like to draw something, or I have a scrapbook and I like to do all the designs, and I like making cards for my friends as well. Sometimes I still follow fashion to see what’s come up and what’s new but I think my mum’s right. It’s too competitive.

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Humans of UniSA

Micah Elder Master of Teaching (Secondary)

After training, I became a truckie in the army. That was awesome in itself because I got to travel all over Australia and even did a couple of deployments overseas. I did some peacekeeping operations in East Timor and the

Interview conducted by Geena Ho

Solomon Islands. It was my first time overseas

Image supplied by Oliver White

but obviously it was for work so it wasn’t exactly a paid holiday. But the Solomon Islands I really enjoyed. We did a joint operation with the Solomon Islander army and helped to train them up so they could manage their own people.

They were at a time when there was a lot of civil unrest. It was a cool experience. I managed to get my scuba diving ticket while I was over there and, because we had most of our weekends off, we basically spent them exploring the island.

I was in the army for about seven years.

After I left, I moved back home to Mildura and went into personal training, working in a gym, for about a year. I really liked it but needed an excuse to get out of Mildura again. I’d been to most of the capital cities in Australia with the army. Except Adelaide. So I decided to make the big move. I just needed a new place to start over where no one knew me and I could just basically build myself up from the ground again. This is when I decided to go to uni.

When I was at school, I was one of those students that fell between the cracks. I didn’t excel but I didn’t fail. I was kind of in the middle and, because of that, I never really got the attention that I maybe needed. So when it came to Years 11 and 12, I really struggled with writing essays and, when I came to uni, I had to basically reconstruct myself and teach myself how to write an essay because I hadn’t

As soon as I was eighteen, I moved out of

written one in nine years. From then, I saw how

home and joined the military. We did our

important teaching was and saw that, when

basic training in Kapooka–about 15km out of

people learn something that you’ve taught

Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. Kapooka

them, it gives you nice, warm, fuzzy feelings

was basically where all recruits go to do their

inside. I think that really ignited my passion for

basic training, no matter where you’re from. I

learning and actually becoming a teacher and

spent eight weeks there and finished my basic

educator. I want to make sure that in the future,

training on my nineteenth birthday so it was

when I’m teaching, that each individual student

kind of like a birthday present to myself.

gets their time in the spotlight. ◼

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Spotlight

THE SIGNS AS:

SPORT Words by Geena Ho

Illustration by Oliver White

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Geena Ho

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Bowling

Golf

Badminton

• •

• •

• • •

March 21 - April 20

•

Uncoordinated Always shouts their friends food In bed by 9pm

April 21 - May 21

•

Likes PEACE and QUIET Looks after houseplants very well Watches documentaries

May 22 - June 21

Terrible at video games Thinks everyone’s a winner Lightweight

in spare time

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Soccer

Tennis

Archery

• •

• • •

• •

June 22 - July 23

The popular one Can be melodramatic

sometimes

•

“Can I have the AUX cord?”

July 24 - August 23

Loud Only wears brand-name Will watch their phone ring out

August 24 - September 23

•

A bit too good at everything Tries too hard to flex on Tinder Has to have the volume on an even number

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Pool

Basketball

AFL

•

•

• • •

September 24 - October 23

• •

Colour-coordinates wherever possible Likes trips to IKEA Actually has really bad aim but just lucky af sometimes

October 24 - November 22

• •

“Yeah, I go to the gym five times a week” Has too many pairs of shoes Secretly has a reality

November 23 - December 21

Netflix snob Bandwagoner “Macca’s run after?”

TV addiction

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Cycling

Surfing

Volleyball

• •

•

•

Only good at sport

•

Definitely peaked in

•

Always hypes up

December 22 - January 20

•

Always first to arrive Drives a manual and makes sure you know it Wears sunglasses indoors

January 21 - February 19

• •

Won’t stop talking about life-changing Contiki tour Stalks friends on Snap Map Has initials monogrammed on phone case

February 20 - March 20

because they’re tall high school their friends Edition 27 2019

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Opinion

An Ode to Footy Words by Mark Vawser

S

ome say footy is just a game. To them, I

the fire in your lungs, and the taste of dirt. It

say you're not looking hard enough. To me,

doesn’t take any skill to play football, just the

Aussie Rules Football is more than aerial

will to persevere.

ping pong; it’s controlled chaos on a grey-green

Some say it requires no thinking. To them,

battlefield. It's a hard fight in the blazing sun

I say, that's the point. Once you step onto the

and belting rain. It's the song you sing arm-in-

field the world strips away, nothing matters but

arm with your fellows in victory or defeat. It's

that red spheroid full of hot air. Once you cross

the speed of soccer and the roughness of rugby.

that chalk line you are no longer a labourer, a

It's a bastard of a sport but it's our own.

student, rich or poor; you are vaulting ambition

Some say footy ovals all look the same. To

in a jersey, you are only the person you want

them, I say, you're wrong. Each are as unique

to be. The war colours plastered on your breast

as the human body. Some curve out ever so

draw the battle lines, determine friend from foe.

slightly, some slender and long, some dip at

Your greatest enemy becomes your greatest ally

the ends and rise in the centre. Some home to

as you take the field together. We few, we happy

the hard rolled earth of a cricket pitch, cracked

few, we band of brothers, in victory and defeat.

and cratered. Others a mountain of swampy

They push you to work a little harder, run a little

mud masking the concrete hidden beneath. And

further, stand a little taller, until battered and

finally those rare beauties with no cricket pitch

bruised they speak of your deeds over a beer-

at all, unblemished and perfect.

soaked bar-mat. The world is never so simple a

Some say footy takes no skill. To them I

place as on the footy field.

say, you're right. Anyone can play. But prepare

Some say footy is just a game. To them, I say

yourself for the hardball, the battle of wills that

you're right, but this game saved my life. â—ź

asks every man and woman the question: Who wants this ball? And 40 others answer in chorus.

Me. Be prepared to curse the heavens when the ball strikes the side of your boot sailing sideways to bounce off the bonnet of a car.

Or the sweet hollow thud as the ball hits your bootlace out, tumbling through the air towards the intended target. Be prepared for the bruises, the burn of the grass, the swollen ligaments,

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Reflection

Rock Climbing – More Than A Hippie Sport Words by Forum Bakrania

“

I have been climbing for as long as I can

climbing became a constant in my life. I climbed

remember”. I wish I could say this about

week after week and got better at it. Now, I can

myself just like Alex Honnold, who became

do climbs the shirtless guys excel at. But, I am

the first person to climb El Capitan ropeless.

not done yet, because better is never enough

Trust me the gods felt powerless when they

in the rock climbing world. You can never

saw him climb.

reach your full potential because each climb is

I was introduced to the world of rock

different and would require a different strategy.

climbing six months back on a date. I enjoyed

The best part about rock climbing is that it

it so much that I joined my university’s rock

keeps you grounded which is ironic because

climbing club. Honestly, that’s the best thing

you’re off the ground most of the times. The

that happened to me. It was my escape. A

climbing community is the second best part,

place, where I could focus on myself and be

because they motivate you and help you

disconnected from all my problems. Rock

constantly to reach your goal. Imagine being

climbing is not just a hippie sport, it has so

on the rocks 15 meters off the ground and

much more to it than just providing pictures

not being able to find a foothold to make that

of shirtless men with ripped bodies on the

ascend and other climbers who are on the

rocks overlooking a vast blue ocean (TBH, I

ground shouting “C’mon you can do it” or “You

am not complaining).

got it girl” and you magically find a foothold.

In her piece, In Climbing as in Life, NYC

That’s the power of the climbing community –

cartoonist Connie Sun says: “One aspect of

constant motivation and belief in each other.

climbing is holding on with all of your strength.

There are no rivals here. You can only rival

The other side, just as essential, is learning

your own progression.

to let go to begin again”. Yes, letting go is as

To top this off I’ll list the vanity that comes

important as going up. It gives you a chance to

with getting into a sport like rock climbing;

start again; the same way you do in real life,

piqued interest from non-climbers when you

except letting go is much easier in climbing

tell them that you rock climb, insane photo

than in actual life.

opportunities while climbing outdoors, cool

When I first started climbing I was terrible

climbing gear and shoes that could rival pointe

at it, but the consistent motivation from the

shoes, new friends (because let’s be honest it’s

community helped me climb beyond the

hard to make friends once you leave high school)

overhang of one of the easiest climbs. That was

and a newfound cool persona. ◼

my first successful climb. I did that. After that,

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Opinion

Mind over Body

T

Words by Matthew Besz Image by Oliver White

he KEY to SUCCESS is to BELIEVE, VISUALISE

I would spend each day visualising my

and TRUST that by taking small steps each

chosen aesthetic and took steps to achieve that

day, even if you are met with never ending

desired physique I dreamed of receiving one day.

obstacles, you will reach your goals. Those

I trained for an hour and a half, six days a

obstacles will encourage you to push further and

week, performing weight exercises as well as up

challenge your mind in ways you never thought

to 15 minutes of light cardiovascular exercises,

you could.

such as walking on the treadmill. I ate three

When I first began my health and fitness

large and two small meals a day. I regularly set

journey back in 2013 I wanted to challenge

a new goal for myself to achieve and, in just ONE

myself in ways I never had before. I had grown

year I gained a considerable amount of muscle

up in a family where alternative practices and

mass and dramatically transformed my body

treatments were prevalent, and the use of

beyond any of my expectations.

organic and natural remedies over mainstream

Since then I have applied the KEY to SUCCESS

pharmaceuticals was a must, unless the latter

strategy to different areas in my training and

was absolutely necessary.

soon hope to in all areas of my life. I just want

In 2014, I decided I wanted to test how much

to end with emphasising that if you choose to

muscle mass I could build using a holistic

experiment with a non-conventional approach,

and natural approach as much as possible.

I strongly advise that you don’t speak about

This method consisted of no supplementation

it with peers until you have completed what

natural or artificial, minimal meat and high

you set out to achieve or showcase your work

carbohydrate and fruit intake. I had conducted

through example in order to reduce opposition

a lot of personal research on bodybuilding

from peers which may impact your results.

and nutrition, and what I discovered was that

Always choose what works for you even if it’s

consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruit,

different from what others choose.

healthy carbohydrates and minimal meat was

The main point I would like to get across

excellent for building muscle mass without any

with this story is that although conventional

additional supplementation or support required,

practices have a high success rate and have

as the five major food groups were being met as

been used for decades, for example, protein

well as the necessary vitamins and minerals one

supplementations such as shakes, bars, cookies,

must consume.

caffeinated pre-workout powder, pancakes etc.,

As you can imagine I was met with opposition

they may not always be the healthiest, best

by gym peers and friends because I was taking

option for every individual or the only option

an alternative approach over mainstream

for that matter. Don’t be afraid to experiment

practices to build muscle. Some of the

with different methods to discover what works

statements I received were, "There’s no way you

for you, even if it sounds absurd, as there is no

can get big without supplements or steroids,”

one size fits all and I am living proof that it can

and, “You would be lucky if you gained one kilo

be achieved without additional support of these

a year on your diet.” Despite these preconceived

highly popularised products. ◼

beliefs, opinions and perceptions from peers and friends, I continued with my natural method and BELIEVED wholeheartedly that I could achieve my goals.

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Photography

Joshua Lamb

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Creative Writing

Space Jam: The Hijab Edition

A

uni dances swiftly from side to side as she

in Space Jam. Maddy yells something incoherent

dribbles the basketball with her right hand.

as she jostles with Aasma, who is readying

Her dark eyes, framed by a magenta head

herself to catch the rebound.

scarf, are trained on Maddy’s lightly sweating upper-brow. Every so often Auni glances toward

'He feels his sweat-saturated toes

Mariam and Aasma who are flailing their limbs

sliding in his Birkenstocks and

by the edge of the court. Auni breathes deeply and bounces the ball toward Mariam just as

marvels at how deftly the girls are

Syahirah leaps in.

able to move when thick layers of

“Sya Sya I’m open,” Maddy yells.

Syahirah knocks the ball from Mariam’s grasp

cotton cocoon their bodies. '

in a flash of turquoise and gold. Mariam fumbles

“Shoot Jeb,” Syahirah cries.

through a sea of cotton and attempts to chase

And with that, the Jeb from Davoren Park is

after the ball, but she’s too far away. Syahirah

gone. Forgotten is the tomato sauce-stained

grabs the ball with both hands and chest passes

Adidas top that is in dire need of a dry clean.

it, hard and fast, towards Maddy. Out of habit,

Forgotten is the humidity that clings to his

Maddy does not dribble. Instead she plants her

skin in a constant clammy sheen.

feet and pivots towards Jeb.

Jeb, a red-faced man with a backwards

Standing in the corner of the court, Jeb has

trucker cap, sees every woman on the court

a clear shot for a three-pointer. He feels his

for what they are. His equals. Basketballers,

sweat-saturated toes sliding in his Birkenstocks

netballers, athletes and scholars gliding

and marvels at how deftly the girls are able to

together in perfect harmony. Each dressed in

move when thick layers of cotton cocoon their

the way that feels most natural, these women

bodies. While Maddy is dressed more casually,

do not hide behind their hijabs or scarfs.

in navy shorts and a plain white t-shirt, the

The woman and her abiding cotton move

arms, legs and head of every other woman on

as one.

the court is obscured by colourful garments that

Propelled by Jeb’s momentum, the ball sails

trace patterns through the wind as they run.

toward the hoop. Rubber kisses the wind and

Receiving the ball, Jeb inhales through his

moulds gently into the backboard.

nose as he bounces it by his waist. With his

Auni, Maddy, Mariam, Aasma, Syahirah

plastic bags of dirty laundry cheering him on

and Jeb stare toward the ring and hold their breath

from the side-line, Jeb feels like Michael Jordan

as the world continues to rotate beneath their feet. ◼

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Nina Phillips

Words by Nina Phillips Image by Tom Little

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47

Interview

Interview: Dr Evangeline Mantzioris Nutrition and Food Sciences Program Director

Words by Ryan Colsey Image provided by Dr Mantzioris

Although it sometimes feels as though we live in a world where there are always differences and no one can seem to get along, there is one thing that unites seven billion people across the globe – food.

Whether you’re sitting in the Oval Office furiously tweeting, or going on a highly unsuccessful Tinder date at Rymill Park, at some point during the day your stomach will tell your brain that your body needs food and fluid. Dr Mantzioris is one of Adelaide’s most experienced and respected dieticians, with more than three decades of experience in the field. She has done advanced research on the effects of fish oil on inflammatory mediators and is regularly consulted by media for her take on any issue –even during this interview she received a message from a journalist at the ABC. For this edition of Verse, we got her to bust several commonly held myths on nutrition.

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Dr Evangeline Mantzioris

What is the number one myth you hear about diet?

stored in our body is with two water molecules, so if you deplete the carbohydrates in your diet,

Oh gosh the number one myth … there are so

you then use up the glycogen that removes the

many of them!

water molecules, and that’s why people see this

I’ve got a bottle of coconut water there and

rather immediate ‘weight-loss’. You lose this

I’ve got it there not because I like it, but to

immediate water, which comes up as weight on

display the amount of misinformation that

the scales, but in reality when people want to

there is on food packaging. Coconut water

lose weight they don’t want to lose water they

doesn’t offer you any nutritional benefit at

actually want to lose adipose tissue [fat], so it

all. It says it has ‘some’ electrolytes in it, but

defeats the purpose of losing weight.

if you are relying on that for your source of

Another problem is that you then start

electrolytes you are never going to get enough of

using fats to produce glucose and that causes

them. They [electrolytes] are so abundant in our

ketosis, which makes you crabby and have

diet that you don’t need to go to coconut water.

bad moods. By depleting carbohydrates from

It’s a great marketing scam. You get hydrated

your diet you also lose the nutrients that come

from just drinking plain old water.

with those carbohydrates.

Is it true you need to drink two litres of water

A guy I know went on a diet where he only ate

per day?

eggs, cucumber and oats for two weeks with the purpose of losing weight. Would that

It’s not true. You need to have two litres of fluids

actually work?

a day. Whether they come from tea, coffee, milk or the fluids in fruit and vegetables – that all

Apart from being incredibly boring in terms

contributes to your total fluid count. The best

of weight loss, yes, it would lose weight and so

measure of working out if you’re well hydrated

people would say it’s successful; however the

is the colour of your urine in the morning which

issue is what happens alongside that.

should be a light hay colour.

That diet would have been low in calcium, which may not be that problematic when you are

Should we be cutting carbs from our diet?

young because you are still building up bone, but we know by the early twenties you stop building

Another myth that’s been said for many many

up bone. If your calcium intake was dodgy to

years is that carbs are bad and you need to

start with, that’s going to be put at further

remove carbs from your diet to lose weight.

risk. It’s more of an issue for women, who have

When we consume carbohydrates our body

higher rates of osteoporosis and are more likely

needs to regulate the amount of glucose in our

to get it.

blood level and it’s a pretty tight regulation

That diet has got the protein that comes in

system. What the body does is it converts the

through the egg, it’s got the fat that comes in

glucose in our blood into glycogen and when

through the egg, it’s got the fibre that comes in

our glucose levels run short, the glycogen gets

through the oats … I’m not quite sure what the

converted back to glucose and overnight your

cucumber is replacing, however that said I love

glycogen gets refuelled again, so it’s got a store

cucumber but cucumber is not going to replace

of it for the next day. But the way glycogen is

all the other nutrients you find in all the other

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Interview

types of fruits and vegetables. To limit yourself to one item in a food group is risky because you’re not going to get all the nutrients you need.

What are the benefits of supplements?

Unless someone has a diagnosed deficiency in a particular nutrient, there is no benefit from taking any supplements. It’s no use taking iron supplements unless you know you have anaemia, likewise it’s no use taking B-group vitamins unless you know you’ve got a B-group deficiency. That’s one of the other great myths that’s been perpetrated by the supplements industry that we ‘need to’ take supplements to feel better. We are better off spending the money that we spend on supplements on the food we like.

On average, how good is the diet of your average uni student?

Well our nutrition students are pretty good!

For a university student, typically, they are time poor, and it’s probably worse if they live out of home and have to do all the housework and duties, so I guess cooking becomes the last thing that is on their mind. With an abundance of quick food that can be purchased there’s a tendency to get take way or easily prepared meals.

I know there’s a limitation of funds but when you look at a whole box of Cheezels and you think, “How can they sell all that for a dollar?”

And I always think, “What are Cheezels?” Like can you describe what it is, what food group it is? I can’t, I have no idea what a Cheezel is, but everyone loves sticking them on their fingers!

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Dr Evangeline Mantzioris

What advice would you give to uni students?

but it also depends on your body size as well.

Some countries have included in their national

Uni students need fruit and veg in their diet.

guidelines that drinking tea and coffee is

Going for the seasonal fruit and veggies will

beneficial, but Australia hasn’t done that yet.

always be cheaper. Frozen or canned fruit and veg is also good; you’ve got to be careful with

So what about alcohol?

the canning though because of the amount of sugar that is added to fruit, and salt to veggies.

Well interestingly there’s been a lot in the

Frozen fruit and veg is quite cheap, and it means

media about alcohol recently, because the World

they’re accessible for you all the time and it

Cancer Research Fund released a report that

minimises food waste which is another big

any alcohol consumption increases your risk of

concern we have at the moment.

death from cancer, no matter what you have.

Other cheap foods which are still really

Once upon-a-time we always used to say

nutritious are your pasta and your rices and

there was a J-curve, so that those people who

they can be bought at fairly cheap prices. It’s

completely abstained from alcohol had higher

also important to be sure that dairy comes in,

risks than those that had one-to-two glasses

such as the yoghurt, the milk and the cheeses.

per day. It seems like that may not be the case

The other thing I would say is not to exclude

but, having said that - having a little bit of red

any food groups. One of the larger expenses for

wine, with a good diet, may be protective for

students is meat, but you can replace meat with

heart disease but it’s a really murky area in

beans and you get most of the nutrients you get

the science with what people are saying. The

in meat in beans, plus all the fibre.

evidence that shows us that a little bit of alcohol might be good for heart disease is

When I told people I was interviewing an expert

mainly the epidemiological evidence and

in diet and nutrition, they begged me to ask

they often cite the blue zones [areas where

this question, so I’m going to ask it. How much

populations have a high longevity].

caffeine is it okay to have in a day?

It’s a difficult statement because I know Normally it’s about 400mg per day which

students are going to drink, right? For me to say

equates to about two-to-three cups of coffee

you can’t drink isn’t going to work, so then it

per day. So the reason why uni students use

would be a matter of not having more than one-

caffeine is so they can stay up later and do their

to-two glasses at a time. Certainly it’s binge

assignments and what it does is restore your

drinking that causes the most problems.

alertness to what it was before you started becoming tired. It’s also used by athletes

Finally, if you had a magic wand and you can

because it makes the effort they put into work

complete eliminate three foods/drinks out there in

seem less.

the world, which three do you pick?

I’ve read that you shouldn’t start the morning off with a coffee because your

I’m a mum with kids, and the three things I

adrenalin gets you going anyway and your first

don’t let them have are: potato crisps, lollies,

coffee should be 10am. We know that there are

and soft drinks or fruit juice. Having said

health benefits to coffee but once again it’s

that I know my husband sneaks them in when

limiting it to not more than two-to-three –

I travel! ◼

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Photography

SARAH LANGLEY

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Spotlight

UniSA Campuses Review Words by Geena Ho Illustration by Oliver White

It’s not that I don’t like City West campus,

Ah, the concrete jungle of the UniSA campuses.

it’s more that City West gets all the attention.

City East is both way too easy to get lost in

Because it’s UniSA’s main hub and can boast the

and a bit boring (sorry!). Yeah, they’ve got

Jeffery Smart Building, MOD., Pridham Hall, and

some awesome tech in their science labs that

West Oak, everyone raves about how good City

definitely one-up the classrooms at the other

West is but I just don’t see it. Yes, it’s nice with

campuses but the buildings are just a little too

Jeffery Smart open 24 hours and the brand new

cramped for my liking. BUT, in saying that, City

gym and sport facilities available at Pridham

East does have the best location of any of the

Hall, but it’s a little bit overrated because

campuses, just one street over from Rundle Mall

there’s always so many people around. It’s got

with plenty of public transport options.

a lot going for it and I can see why it’s home to many of UniSA’s events but we gotta share the love around a bit!

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Geena Ho

*Disclaimer: Please note that this review includes only UniSA’s metropolitan campuses, not because we, at Verse, love Whyalla and Mount Gambier any less, but just because I have not personally visited either of the rural campuses and wanted to present a fair and honest review.

Mawson Lakes feels like a nice mix between

First of all, yes, I may be biased as Magill is my

the modern industrial vibe and the green

home campus but maybe I’m just lucky that

nature vibe and we love it! Not only is Mawson

my home campus just happens to be one of the

Lakes home to the iconic UNISA letters but

best? Hear me out. Magill has a nice, peaceful

it also has a community garden that’s very

setting with only a few buildings sprawled

well looked after. Paired with loads of places

across endless patches of green grass which

to grab a bite between classes and you’ve got

makes studying outside something that many

yourself a winner! (The only downside is the

Magill students enjoy. There’s also a creek

airplanes constantly flying overhead can be a bit

that adds extra tranquillity points when it’s

distracting sometimes!)

a-flowing! Like Mawson Lakes, Magill has minimal stairs with all classrooms spread across just two floors. Plus we have friendly neighbourhood koalas?!

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Photography

JORDAN WHITE

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May & June

What’s On Here’s a whole stack of things to do

May 7&8 9

Chill Vibes - Wind down, relax & enjoy.

Games and Chats - Evangelical Students Magill

10

Showpony Open Mic - Showpony

10

PSS Pub Crawl #1 - UniSA Physiotherapy Student Society

14, 15, 21 & 22

UniTopia SP2 - Free wellbeing event for all students.

17

USASOE Mario Kart Crawl 2019

31

USASA Leadership & Club Grant May deadline

June 14

PSS Trivia Night

17

Verse Edition 29 Submission Deadline

28

USASA Leadership & Club Grant June deadline

Recurring Events Weekly

The Bible Talks - UniSA City Evangelical Students

Weekly

Psychology Study Group - UniSA Psychology Society

Weekly

Social Studio Sessions - UniSA Art Club

Weekly

Friday Sessions - Overseas Christian Fellowship

Weekly

Ballet Classes – Ballet Club

Check out these events and more at USASA.sa.edu.au/Events

USASA PRESIDENT Lifestyle … Zen … hmm, well.

By nature I’m a very anxious soul and I often need to take a step away from the daily hustle and bustle of life, take a deep breath, and check in with my mental wellbeing. I wouldn’t say I have the healthiest lifestyle; I often skip breakfast, run purely on double-shot lattes, and I haven’t gone to the gym in over 12 months (just this week though I joined UniSA’s very own Pridham Hall gym, so look out yoga class, ‘cause I’m about to get my ‘Zen’ on).

When I’m not running around like a headless chicken, I do like to take time for some self-

I grew up with a mum who had crystals and

care, as I think it is very important.

essential oils for everything so I guess you

This time of the semester can be stressful,

could say I’m one of those ‘spiritual types’

with first assessments barely finished and

*pause for eye roll*.

second assessments already due, just as you’ve

Keeping my home clean, as well as smelling

gotten into the swing of things. For those that

nice, also helps me relax; which is difficult for

attended a Campus Fair, we hope you found

someone who has to chase their two walking

something that’s made the beginning of this

excessive-lick-giving teddy bears everywhere

year a little easier; whether it was a friendly

with a vacuum or a lint roller. If you’re a dog

new face, a freebie, or a new club to be involved

lover as well, then make sure you go to an

with. The semester will no doubt pick up from

upcoming UniTopia event. You’ll be able to

now on, so this is your reminder to prioritise

cuddle to some therapy doggos, pick-up some

your wellbeing and regularly take time to relax.

awesome giveaways, and find many other

Whenever I get too overwhelmed, I always

things to perk up your day.

make myself a cup of green tea and buy a

Another great way to get stressful or

new houseplant for my room (which is often

upsetting things off my chest is to confide in

counterproductive as I’m usually stressed

someone I trust, and to give them the same

about money, but then spend another $50

sort of trust and comfort with me. If you’re

without a second thought). If you are also

new to uni (or even if you’ve been here for a

feeling overwhelmed balancing uni alongside

while) there are plenty of counselling services

work or other commitments, there’s help to be

available or social USASA clubs to join. There’s

found. USASA is rolling out its pilot Financial

always new people to meet, someone to talk

Counselling and Emergency Financial Grants

to, and loads of opportunities to escape your

program this month, so by all means, look into

computer screen for a while.

the options available to support you.

To declutter my mental headspace, I often

Until next time,

have to declutter my room. I’ve always believed

Grace Dixon

that the space and environment you’re in play a

2019 USASA President

big part in your overall health and wellbeing.

Dixgl001@mymail.unisa.edu.au

59

USASA Advocacy Column University can be a stressful time for any

start thinking about the worst-case scenario.

student. When facing the sometimes-complex

Take a moment to breathe and remember that

requirements of assignments, or strict

you have access to support from the USASA

structures surrounding referencing, students

Advocacy service. Send an email to the USASA

can feel like even the slightest mistake could

Advocacy team and organise a meeting. The best

result in significantly detrimental outcomes.

thing you can do for yourself is to be open to

Having an advocate, especially one who is

seeking support and following the advice of the

experienced and knowledgeable in university

advocacy team.

policy, means that students have strong support in what can be significant, difficult

Imogen Leech: USASA Advocacy Intern

and stressful moments in their life. If a student encounters a problem during their time as a

The Advocacy service offers support to students

student, it can be difficult for that student to

facing academic issues and means that students

understand what to do next. This is where an

do not have to face these issues in isolation.

advocate, like USASA Advocacy Service, can help

Throughout my experience at university I’ve

in navigating difficult situations and supporting

observed that many students are impacted by

the student with their experience, knowledge

mental health and personal issues, which can

and understanding This free service which is

result in late submissions and lowered grades.

provided by your student association can help

The impact of mental health on academic

you figure out what to do next. The services they

success can foster a great deal of anxiety and

can offer you in these moments can not only

shame within students. The overwhelming

provide you with knowledge and understanding

nature of these emotional triggers can impact

of the situation, but importantly help reduce

upon the ability to manage and maintain our

your stress and worries, by knowing that you

academic workloads. There are support services

have someone there to support you through

available for students experiencing these issues,

these moments.

such as counselling, extensions granted with appropriate supporting documents, and student

Christopher Regester: USASA Advocacy Intern 2019

access plans. It is important for students to be made aware of the support services available to

I think that having access to a service like

them, to help students struggling with mental

USASA Advocacy helps you feel supported in

health issues to succeed and flourish within

your life at university. If an academic issue

their university experience. You don’t need

arises, students can feel less stressed knowing

to tackle these issues in isolation. The USASA

they have a service that is working in their best

Advocacy service offers support to students

interests. Students face all kinds of academic

facing academic issues; make use of these

issues that vary in severity and scope. I believe

services! Educate yourself on your academic

a lot of these academic issues come down

rights and responsibilities and access the

to misunderstandings between people and

support services made available to you as a

quite often all you need is that independent

student of UniSA. Don’t let the stress take over

person to look at the situation from a different

and remember that there are always options

angle. Academic issues can be stressful, and

available to you if you reach out.

everyone reacts to stress differently. I think it is normal for people to go into panic mode and

60

Edition 27 2019

Alanna Abbey: USASA Advocacy Intern

USASA Academic Advocacy

Free, confidential & independent advice.

Advocates help you to pursue your rights on a wide range of academic troubles & can increase your chances of receiving a positive outcome.

To book an appointment visit USASA.sa.edu.au/Advocacy

USASA Clubs

USASA Club Feature: UniSA Buddies Words by Ryan Colsey Image supplied by UniSA Buddies

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Edition 27 2019

Ryan Colsey

They say time flies when you are having fun and uni is no exception. Whether you’re just starting out in your first year or doing your third PhD researching the floccinaucinihilipilification of Australian males aged seventeen to nineteen, it will soon be over before you can even Google what that means. If you thought your two-year Master’s degree went quickly, spare a thought for the exchange students from overseas, who usually only have six months to truly get the most out of their short-term stay both at UniSA and in Australia. Moving to an entirely new country without knowing anyone can be a daunting prospect. Fortunately for them, there are local students who are here to help.

O

perating since 2017, UniSA Buddies is a program run by UniSA students whose mission is to welcome exchange students

studying at UniSA and help them to embrace Australian culture. As of 2019 it is now a registered USASA Club and also receives assistance from the University’s International Office.

The club’s membership currently consists of twenty local students, five of whom are executive members. At the time of writing more than 150 exchange students are supported by UniSA Buddies.

This year the new exchange students attended a large welcome event during O-Week, which featured several games to help everyone get to know each other. Some of the activities included playing ‘two truths and a lie’ as well as a campus tour of City West Campus. The exchange students were put into groups of eight and assigned a local ‘buddy’ who acted as a point of contact.

Once this was done a group-selfie competition took place with the winning group receiving the most Australian of prizes – a packet of Tim Tams. Kudos to the committee who spent a lot of time and placed a lot of thoughtful planning into organising activities to ensure that all these new students felt included and were well orientated.

As exchange students, many are only here for a semester so the UniSA Buddies club also runs a program in SP5, for those coming later in the year. The Buddies offer support throughout the duration of the exchange offering advice and practical assistance.

This is a great initiative and the UniSA Buddies scheme is instrumental in ensuring the experience of students here on exchange is a positive one. However, it is incumbent on all of us to make sure we make guests at our uni feel welcome and comfortable. ◼

Edition 27 2019

63

HELPMANN ACADEMY

Words by Annabel Bowles Photos supplied by Helpmann Academy

In our last edition we interviewed Sam Gold: Bachelor of Contemporary Art graduate and recipient of two Helpmann Academy grants. Like me, a financially-deprived student pursuing a creative career, your ears may have pricked at the word ‘grant’. I looked into what it was all about, and discovered that Adelaide’s growing rep’ as a thriving artistic hub owes a lot to Helpmann Academy.

H

elpmann Academy was established in

affirmation. “That’s part of what we do, we

1994, in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann,

acknowledge that it’s a valuable pursuit, it’s a

an internationally-recognised actor and

valuable contribution to our society, to pursue

dancer from Mount Gambier. It was, and still is,

a career in the arts,” said Olivia. She, along

the only Australian non-for-profit organisation

with the rest of the small team behind

specifically designed to support final-year

Helpmann Academy, also encourage people

students and graduates in creative disciplines.

to come in for a chat. They’re there to help

While Helpmann’s career spanned fifty years,

students and graduates navigate what isn’t “a

his legacy will likely last much longer. In 2018,

very linear pathway.”

Helpmann Academy assisted over 460 students,

Thanks to Helpmann Academy, as well

and the support it provides continues to expand.

as her brilliant work that earned her the top

Olivia Power, the Academy’s Marketing

undergraduate prize in the 2019 Helpmann

and Engagement Manager, is one of just five

Academy Graduate Exhibition, Sam Gold is

personnel operating Helpmann Academy. Olivia

currently undertaking a six-month residency at

and the rest of the team are passionate about

George Street Studios. Yusuf Hayat and Tamara

the arts, and that’s exactly what underpins

Baillie are another two UniSA graduates that

the organisation’s success in bridging the

received rare opportunities through Helpmann

gap between study and professional careers.

Academy. Last year, they both completed three-

Without financial support, many would never

month residencies at the British School in Rome,

successfully make this transition, so Helpmann

one of the Italian capital’s most prestigious

Academy also help students and graduates draft

foreign academies. Other international

their applications; whether it's for the Academy’s

residencies offered by Helpmann Academy

own grants or for other institutions. “Writing

include a visual arts placement in New Delhi,

a grant application isn’t necessarily something

India, and a handcraft placement in Jingdezhen,

people learn at uni, but when they’re in the arts,

China; which is widely considered the porcelain

they have to. It’s an absolutely essential skill for

capital of the world.

any creative practitioner,” Olivia tells me.

Until this year, Helpmann Academy have

Financial support is just one type of

only financially supported tertiary final-

assistance provided by Helpmann Academy.

year students and graduates in disciplines of

Through its many events and exhibitions,

visual arts, theatre, dance, music and film; for

emerging artists can form connections with

UniSA students, only those who have studied a

one another, and gain practical advice and

Bachelor of Contemporary Art

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Edition 27 2019

Sam Gold with her work at the 2019 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, photo by Georgia Matthews

(formerly Bachelor of Visual Arts) degree.

However, the grants have recently been extended to a long list of degrees across all of South Australia’s four tertiary institutions.

Under the UniSA banner, that includes media arts, performing arts, creative writing, illustration, animation, screenwriting and stagecraft.

Substantial financial support is only eligible to final year, or recently graduated, students in one of these disciplines at a South Australian tertiary institution. However for emerging students that don’t fit into this category, there’s a bunch of masterclasses and seminars offered throughout the year. They’re on a variety of topics, such as maintaining resilience and wellbeing in the struggling lifestyle of a creative, designing kickass social media to complement your work, or hearing from those who have successfully developed their practices into careers. These events are free for students of the disciplines listed above, or just $10 for

Tom Borgas, recipient of the Helpmann Academy Emerging Artist Commission with his installation work at the Hilton Adelaide, photo by Michael Haines

anyone else.

To find out more, and to keep up with the awesome opportunities on offer, check out helpmannacademy.com.au and sign up to their mailing list. Or, drop them an email at info@ helpmannacademy.com.au. ◼

Edition 27 2019

65

USASA Clubs & Societies Find your flock.

Make friends with like-minded people, celebrate cultures & boost your resume by joining a studentrun club! Find your flock with over 90 special interest, cultural, academic & social justice clubs.

To join a club visit USASA.sa.edu.au/Clubs

through... · Student Representation · Academic Advocacy · Student Clubs · Social Events · Club & Leadership Grants · Verse Magazine · Financial Support · USASA Student Spaces

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