Celebrating graduate Vashti Lane: Inspiring positivity through impactful actions

Not only has Vashti overcome personal challenges to excel in her Bachelor of International Studies degree, but she has done so while giving fellow students experiences to remember along the way.

Vashti Lane will graduate next month with more than a university degree under her belt.

From throwing herself into cultural experiences, to building up a community on her own, Vashti’s experience at university has been a “crazy adventure”.

Despite facing many personal challenges throughout her four years at RMIT, Vashti has been a cornerstone in fostering friendships and encouraging belonging among international students.

Described by her lecturers as having a “contagious personality”, Vashti’s kindness and inclusivity stretches well beyond the classroom.

Challenges and adversity

When it came to deciding where to study, Vashti, who has dyslexia, said it was an easy decision.

“RMIT's dedication to equitable learning and disability support played a pivotal role in my decision,” she said.

“I had learned from an early age the importance of advocating for myself in an educational setting.”

“RMIT's proactive approach to neurodiversity and inclusion mirrored the positive experiences I had in a school during my formative years.”

COVID posed a significant challenge to Vashti, as she, like most students had to swiftly adapt to online learning.

“For someone with dyslexia, the shift posed unique challenges as in-person interactions and visual cues played a crucial role in my learning style,” she said.

“Navigating the complexities of online learning demanded resilience and adaptability, and the support of my family has helped me overcome these hurdles.”

Vashti made the most out her time at university despite the challenges she faced.

Forming connections

Vashti has crammed a lot into her time at university, and said it was the experiences outside lectures and tutorials which brought her closer to her peers.

A standout moment was when she attended Hanyang University in South Korea as part of a short overseas study program.

“I found myself immersed in a vibrant new cultural, surrounded by students from diverse corners of the globe,” she said.

“The experiences unfolded through daily interactions, collaborative learning, and shared exploration of South Korea.”

“Yet, the true beauty of this experience lay in the connections formed with fellow students.”

It was back home though where these connections would thrive.

Vashti’s kind-hearted nature shone through when she took a group of international students under her wing to make them feel at home, including planning and leading a trip to the Grampians.

“I took it upon myself to plan and lead a small group of international students on a trip to the Grampians where we stayed with my family friends on their farm,” she said.

It was not only an unforgettable adventure but also a testament to the power of camaraderie in enriching our lives.

As an active contributor to positive change, Vashti aims to inspire positivity through small but impactful actions, including arriving to class early to greet each student as they arrived and organising coffee and lunch outings.

Vashti also took it upon herself to create online class group chats, which not only facilitated academic collaboration, but also served as a conduit for building friendships beyond the classroom.

“The response was heartening, as peers expressed gratitude for the warm and inviting atmosphere cultivated through these initiatives.”

Vashti was integral to forming many friendships and connections during her time at RMIT.

What’s next after graduation?

Post-graduation, Vashti’s aspirations are a blend of professional growth and personal exploration.

She said she navigating the balance of pursuing immediate job opportunities and indulging in a period of exploration with an open mind.

“While actively job hunting, my primary goal is to secure a position aligned with my passions and skills,” she said.

“Simultaneously, I am contemplating a journey of work and travel in Japan, with an eye on potentially exploring other countries as well.”

We congratulate Vashti on her upcoming graduation and wish her all the best for the future.

16 November 2023

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Celebrating graduate Vashti Lane: Inspiring positivity through impactful actions