Just look at the government's ongoing apathy towards the climate crisis despite our homes now burning, and our paddocks turning to dust. We, as young people, have a responsibility to seize control of our own destinies, otherwise others will determine them on our behalf.
This seem a daunting proposition, but whether it's starting small, and actively engaging inimprovinglife at Western alongside the SRC, through tobecominga vocal activistchampioning policy reform, we allneedto do our bit!
So, if you want to make a difference, then talk to one of your representatives, and get involved. And if we all work together, hopefully one day soon, I'll be able to modify my proclamation, and state, "there has never been a BETTER time to be at Western!".
Matthew Bojanic President SRC
Theblooddrivesavingover500lives
This yearthe Western Sydney University Lifeblood Champions topped the charts with the winners announced at the2019 Student Leader's Night: Our starsof Western, writesSarah Cupitt.
Theinitiative started in 2017 at Penrith 537 lives. On top of thesedonations, WSU also campus, and now marks its third year, the managed to register 44 new donors. second year in a row of the now cross-campus rivalry. The blood rivalcompetition saw an The overall target for the challenge was set to astonishing 179 blooddonations,saving up to save 300 lives between 1 August - 31 October
Data provided byRonnyMaroun, GroupAccount Manager forAustralian Red Cross Lifeblood.
Honey, I'mhome
SineadSimpkins writes about her struggles with feeling homesick, andtrying to figure out exactly where her home is; a feeling most people can relate to.
Iamjust finishing up my 6th year living at WSU Village, Parramatta. I've seen a lot of changes every semester, and people come and go, yet this is a part of me. Iview living in residential accommodation as sort of a transit home. I don't feel like I am at home nor do I feel like astranger. Ioften ask myself, what is home to me? Is the Blue Mountains my home? The place where Iwas born, attended school and grew up in for the most important 18 years of my life. Is it Tokyo, where I went on
exchange for a semester? I often ask myself these questions when I feelhomesick.
With myparticularfamilysituation, my sister lives in London while my mum is now at Coffs Harbour. My immediate family is spread around the world andyet, there is no singular physical building to call home. Rather, it is a place that has no physical building to call home. I feel connected to the place itself rather a material thing. However, this is not
SUMMtR pla.y,ti&t
Let this summer be about listening to and chilling out with the perfect music for you. With songs of varying genres from this year mixed with some older gems, Radia Muhammad has put together this playlist. Check out some picks for your summer playlist:
Doin' Time - Lana Del Rey
Album: Norman Fucking Rockwell!
Genre(s): Pop
When 1t comes to summer you really can't go wrong with Lana Del Rey, and with this mesmerising cover of the Sublime song of the same name, you're sure to transport yourself to 1996. While you're at it, may as well give the original a listen tool
Spooky - Dusty Springfield Album: Dusty... Definitely Genre(s): Pop
This iconic song was released in 1968 and is a perfect example of a timeless hit. This catchy song gives cool retro vibes and Dusty's vocals are sure to transport you back to 19681 Just a disclaimer, if you listen to this song, you may get an urge to buy a vintage convertible car or start wearing bell-bottom pants.
Podcastsfordummies
According to Podcast Insight, there are over30 million podcast episodes internationally, covering a range of different subjects. So, whetheryou're new to podcasts or an avid listener, ChantelleAl-Khouri has put togetherjust a few of the most innovative shows that make complex topics a little more exciting.
boosts endorphins (happy chemicals) in your brain. During the winter, I play hockey for a local club. Not only does it help me socialise and build teamwork skills, but it also helps me be happier and more connected. Some of the health benefits include better sleep andreduces stress.
Just addwater
Whilewater isimportantfor humansto survive and have workingbodilyfunctions, itcan also help you
feel refreshed. Byjust havingwater, it helps clear yourhead, making youmorefocusedandthink moreclearly andaswellitboostsyourmood.
The elephant in the room
Not everyone has the best relationships with their family. If during this period you won't be with family, there are other ways to keep your mental health in check. Often the residential accommodation on campus will have Christmas feasts so you'll meet other residents who will be home awayfromhome. Some other waysare to celebratewith friends - ask if youcouldcelebrate Christmas or other religious holidays with them. Some other ideas include:
• Creatingyour own Christmas tradition.
• Giving yourself permission to have a rest day.
• Treat the day as a mental health day, and give yourself permission to create boundaries, say no, and allow yourself to feel the way you feel.
• Turnoff your phone or delete social media for the day.
Seek help
While these are some ideas to help you with the case of summer blues, there are services willing to help you.
Lifeline: Call13 11 14atanytimeor text 0477131 114(betweenGpm:J.OpmAEST)
