Taiwanese Film in Australia: Orientation Week at Deakin University in Australia

"May I won't become a filmmaker, but we are definitely a crew."

There is always something happening if you believe we can make an impact since we are here.

Even though just a little thing has changed, we did it without regret.

Before week 1 of this trimester, the college prepares an orientation week to ensure new students are ready and empowered for their future studies.

There is a peer support program called "PASS" in the Peer Mentoring Program. It is an online study group for tough units. Sounds nice, right? On campus, we can receive a lot of help to PASS our units through the program.

It's difficult to say that you can't get any help from the university.

One aspect of Deakin University's culture that I greatly respect is its focus on building connections in leisure spaces such as cafes, libraries, and various formal and informal social settings, where students are willing to share.

DUSA (Deakin University Student Association) provides many clubs that we shouldn't miss, such as the film society, it's so cool!

Eventually, on the second day of orientation week, I met many classmates studying for a master's in film and television. I also met some students studying for a bachelor's in film, television, and animation.

This time, I kept my "Human Bingo" card

One of the bachelor students thought I am a professor at Deakin University, which made everyone, including me, laugh. He said I look very professional, haha.😆 Never mind, I will be.

The meet and greet is not just for film majors' students but for all students under the Faculty of Arts and Education. Hence, I met some new friends from Arts, Education, Humanities, Communication and Creative Arts, and Social Media, all of which are essential in filmmaking.

Afterward, something big will be coming! An online introduction to the Master of Film and Television was held. We received information about the course structure and overall credit points across four trimesters.

Some people here have asked me why I changed my major? There has actually been no change in my major for more than 20 years.

Even though I already have both a master's and bachelor's degree in computer science from my hometown, the essential major of my life is always there.

Life is so short. What matters to you? I mean what truly matters to you, not to others.

Recently, I received a message on LinkedIn.

Sophie, a UI/UX designer, and I met when she was a candidate interviewing with me at my former company many years ago. She is also a Maverick pursuing her dream in Australia now.

She also asked me, "why I changed my major to study film?

I am not a particularly brave person and I realize there are many risks in pursuing a career as a director without sufficient funds. However, knowing why you are here is only one part of what it means to be human. We started our lives with nothing, so why worry about the risks of ending up with nothing?

"Is it important for you?" Kratik asked me when I lost my "Dare to Dream" sticker in a restaurant near the Yarra River several days ago. He is a sweet guy who cares about my feelings.

However, I wasn't worried about that at that moment.

The important thing is not the physical item I lost; it's something that already exists in my mind, something that cannot be lost.

"Instead of talking about your dreams to others who don't matter, show them through your actions.", I responded to Sophie.

My Taiwanese friends was just kidding to say, "Ivan can survive anywhere, even as a nomad."

Honestly, there are a few homeless individuals staying in Southern Cross Station in the city; however, the situation is better than in the capital city of my country.

At least I can be a street performer.

No worries about it. Deakin also cares about your future career - DeakinTALENT website provides many resources to help you find part-time jobs during your studies and full-time jobs after graduation.

There is one common website that both employers and employees use here, which is seek.com.

My profile on seek.

The course design at Deakin University has been structured to integrate work and study(WIL) from the beginning. Deakin's students are trained to become specialists for their future careers.

Moreover, there is another online session called "Step Outside the Classroom", which mainly teaches students how to apply for internship jobs.

Exploring the library on campus is also very important for improving your study. There are many online sessions available that teach students how to utilize it effectively.

I borrowed some textbooks from the library this week.

Online hosts are available to answer all your questions.

Furthermore, knowing how to write your academic essay is crucial for postgraduate students.

During this orientation week, all online sessions began with this acknowledgment.

Clubs and societies assist students as well.

Join the online Kahoot😂 hosted by DUSA!

The answer is Big Hero!

Even though we have lots of work to do, I believe that eventually, we can achieve more than we think.

Additionally, I look at many different technical studios in the P buillding where filmmaking students will study throughout their units.

I and Shekhar met a technician and two seniors there. We discussed more about internships and commercial production, and how we can achieve success during our two-year study. The two seniors were passionate about sharing a lot of information with us, such as StarNow and the 16th Street Actors Studio, for our future casting opportunities.

Connection is always the key, no matter where you stay.