Eddie is a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from Mongolia, who radiates friendliness and optimism. We recently spoke with Eddie to hear more about his Holmesglen story and find out how he is maintaining his positive outlook and navigating life during these challenging times.
We would love to hear about your home country. What is it like?
Located between Russia and China, Mongolia is a country that is renowned for its combination of urban and nomadic culture, beautiful tall mountains and rivers, and its rich historical background including the reign of Genghis Khan. The capital city Ulaanbaatar is known as the coldest capital city in the world reaching -40 degrees in the winter! The food is also very good too. Reach out to me if you or someone you know wants to travel there someday – I’d be happy to chat about it!
Tell us about your journey to becoming a Holmesglen student.
I was actually on the list of students who had the lowest grades at my high school in Mongolia and had to take extra English classes. Nobody had much hope for me. However, it did not stop me from pursuing my passion: volunteering. Somehow at the age of 18, I started my own learning centre, despite people telling me I could not do it. Although it was a risk, it worked but I knew I needed more skills to make it really successful. Therefore, I decided to come to Australia to become a Holmesglen student to strengthen my academic and professional knowledge.
What course are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Business Administration, which is a very holistic and important course that teaches the essential components of business and answers the why, who, where, when, how, and what of a business. This encompasses research, marketing, HR, organisational leadership, economics, accounting, law, information systems and so much more. This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn business and do something cool!
How have you developed and nurtured your confidence during your time in Melbourne?
I have absolutely grown during my time in Melbourne. Although I was a very confident boy in Mongolia, coming to Australia was a new experience and I was not sure about a lot of things. Hence, my confidence dropped but thanks to the amazing Holmesglen staff, my teachers, the learnings from my course, the activities organised by Holmesglen, and the opportunities that Holmesglen gave me, I became more and more confident.
Making new friends in a new country can be hard. How did you approach this?
I randomly talked to Darwin — a classmate who is now one of my good friends — in the cafeteria one day and somehow, we started to study together with a few others and ultimately formed a study group. We created a culture of sharing knowledge in our class and it expanded day by day, week by week. As it expanded, I started to become more active in the opportunities offered at Holmesglen. Looking back, I realise that I’ve made lots of great friends including Holmesglen staff members ? I think it’s important be brave and talk to anyone. We realise great things when we take small actions!
What are some of your proudest achievements from your time at Holmesglen?
I became a student ambassador which has been a really great experience and lead to me representing Holmesglen at the Council of International Students Australia’s conference in Perth, as a panellist. At this annual conference, student leaders gather to discuss crucial topics such as international student rights, workplace exploitation, equality etc. I also represented Holmesglen at the Student Voice Australia Symposium in Sydney. A big thank you to Michelle Fernandez at the International Centre who provided me with the opportunity to be part of both events.
Additionally, I was lucky enough to be awarded the Holmesglen International Student Scholarship and had the chance to be featured in Holmesglen’s student testimonials on the official website. Most importantly though, my biggest achievements have been in what I have learned and the development of my work ethic.
What is your favourite part about being a Holmesglen student?
I can approach and talk to anyone including teachers, staff members and even directors! Everyone is very friendly, and no one is superior. I love how everyone cares for and respects each other. It is special and unique to Holmesglen. If you need help, there are lots of wonderful and sweet people ready to support you. I love it.
We’d love to hear about your career aspirations. What are they and what activities are you currently undertaking to achieve them?
I would like to continue with my efforts to run a non-profit school in Mongolia and create an environment where high-quality education is accessible and free for under-privileged children. I want to create a future where children’s rights are protected, respected, and supported. To reach this goal, I am learning about the fundamentals of business and currently undertaking research. Specifically, financial analysis is a key component as NPOs require massive funding. I am building my knowledge in that area.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced during this pandemic and how did you overcome them?
As I am massive extrovert and very social, spending all my time at home is not easy, although I am still keeping myself busy. I am overcoming these challenges through learning and broadening my knowledge in areas like macroeconomics etc. Almost every student is struggling financially at the moment and I am experiencing this too. However, we got this — good times will come, and today’s struggle will only make us stronger.
What supports have you leaned on during this challenging time?
Holmesglen’s supports have helped me a lot. In particular, the International Student Emergency Relief Fund, and the food package organised by Holmesglen were a big help. It is so good that the International Centre staff members call every international student to make sure we’re okay. It means a lot. Also, my friends have been amazing and have supported me greatly.
You're known around campus for your friendliness and positivity. How do you maintain this, especially during challenging times?
Thank you so much for that. People often see positivity or optimism as avoiding issues or being fake. However, I think positivity is about knowing that problem exists, but always looking forward to finding a solution and being persistent. We know that Covid is affecting us all but we can do our best by being safe, looking for every opportunity, and learning as much as we can from the experience.
What advice would you offer to international students who are new to Holmesglen?
Being motivated is a fantastic feeling — a feeling that you can achieve anything, which is great. However, what takes us further is our ability to be disciplined. Results can take a long time to show — it takes many months of studying, many sleepless nights and some days where you feel like giving up but kept going. Many of us give up, quit, and tell ourselves we cannot do it. In fact, we can do it. Persistence and consistency are the key. Stay strong because good days are coming soon!
Are you an international student who wants to share your Holmesglen story through a Q & A? Email us on intl@holmesglen.edu.au.