Celebrating Our Graduates – Arya Pawar and Paula Tenorio

Celebrating Our Graduates – Arya Pawar and Paula Tenorio

Meet the two RMIT graduates who’ve made a meaningful impact on their fellow students’ experience and wellbeing.

Arya and Paula worked together as the University’s first ‘peer support team’, a vital part of the Wellbeing Peer Support Program, delivering mental health and wellbeing support for international students.

Trained with program partner and youth mental health organisation, Orygen, Arya and Paula created a safe space for open conversations and lent a supportive ear to international students through social events and one-on-one wellbeing chats.  

‘Our goal was to provide a safe space for international students to exchange their experiences and help them navigate the challenges around adapting to a new culture,’ said Paula. 

Paula Tenorio (left) and Arya Pawar (right) Paula Tenorio (left) and Arya Pawar (right)

The Wellbeing Support Program:  

Q: What's something that surprised you in your role or a memory that has stood out to you most?

Arya: We have seen students transform through their time with us. We have seen students who have made the most of this service and utilized our multiple support methods to their advantage. The visible impact we had on students in terms of helping them feel safe, make friends and most importantly create shared memories was something that stood out the most for me.

Paula: There were many special moments for us; exchanges that happened one-on-one and events. The most memorable ones to me revolve around moments where students allowed themselves to be vulnerable and shared their own stories. Our trips to Lightscape and to Melbourne Zoo were filled with meaningful conversations (and the usual banter!).

Q: What did you learn in your role as peer support worker? (About yourself, about your fellow international student peers)

Arya: I have learned that regardless of our nationalities, our experiences are the same. Just the fact of being international students in a foreign land acts a shared experience and helps us connect them easily.

Paula: I’ve learned that international students can be very resilient, and that each person possesses a unique knowledge and perspective of the world. It’s been an empowering experience that taught me my true value as a culturally and linguistically diverse student.

Paula, Arya and international students enjoying a picnic event as part of the Wellbeing Support Program Paula, Arya and international students enjoying a picnic event as part of the Wellbeing Peer Support Program
Q: How did being a leader of the program impact your RMIT experience? 

Arya: Working in this role over the past few months is something I look at very fondly from my time at RMIT. Being a student for four years and then also co-existing as a staff member was surely exciting and helped me build personal and professional connections. I have learned many skills through this role, however, the most important would be to create and nurture meaningful relationships.

Paula: This role pushed me out of my comfort zone whilst allowing me to be exactly who I am. I've learned so much from my colleagues and have become more confident since working as a peer support worker.

RMIT University experience:

What course did you study?

Arya: I studied Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) (Honours).

Paula: Social Science (Psychology)

What part of your course really stood out to you?

Arya: The practical and hands-on approach in addition to the industry-driven learning was what truly stood out for me during the course. I honestly believe that working in a group for assignments is among the greatest learning experiences for me as it enabled me to be prepared for the real world.

Paula: Learning more about research within Psychology and the different possibilities of work I can endeavor after graduation. My placement was also one of the best university experiences I’ve had during my degree. It solidified my professional identity and granted me a great job.

What advice do you give to future students who are studying your course?

Arya: It is natural to feel overwhelmed, midway through your degree, especially during end-of-semesters when the pressure mounts. However, just keep your head down and do what you need to do, and you’ll come out on the other side, stronger.

Paula: Don’t let your assignments become a giant snowball. Take advantage of all the resources within RMIT at your disposal (the library staff are awesome). Make sure you look after your mental health. And most importantly, have fun along the way – time passes too quickly!

RMIT offers a wide range of courses, something for everyone! Check out other inspiring student stories here. 

02 December 2022

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.