When Eliza Hart moved away from her hometown for the first time, making the transition to Wesley College at Sydney University, she experienced a strong dose of imposter syndrome. “When I started at Wesley I wondered whether I would fit in here or have enough to offer. It always seemed like everyone else was doing so well.” But a fun Orientation Week with its many college activities and bonding experiences soon helped Eliza settle in, and before she knew it she felt right at home amongst new friends.
Although initially daunted by the prospect of College life, Eliza was struck by the diversity of backgrounds represented among her new cohort. With students hailing from across Australia and beyond, many with regional backgrounds like herself, everyone seemed to be on an equal footing –with no large same-school cohorts to navigate.
For someone who arrived having spoken to just one person at Wesley before, that sense of belonging has become a particular highlight for Eliza. “The friendships I’ve made are beyond what I’d expected” she reflects, “and students bring different perspectives to the college, which is always interesting.”
Eliza entered Wesley as the recipient of the David Greatorex Scholarship - an opportunity that has helped make her university experience possible and accessible. She initially enrolled in a Bachelor of Economics at USYD, but soon realised she was looking for something broader. “I felt that Economics was too quantitative and specific,” she explains. “I also enjoy research and analytical work, so a BCom felt like a better fit, and I’m glad I’ve made the change.” With the support of the College, Eliza is now studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance, with ambitions to build a career in Sydney after graduating.
Rather than allowing her initial uncertainty to hold her back, Eliza says it has pushed her to get involved, contribute and put her hand up for opportunities. One experience that was particularly meaningful was helping run Wesley’s Push-Ups for Life campaign. Having lost a friend to suicide, this project felt personal, and seeing the Wesley community rally around it made the experience especially rewarding.
Eliza’s interest in finance has also found an outlet at Wesley through WesCap, the college’s student-run investment committee. Being involved has given Eliza the chance to learn alongside older students and hear directly from Old Collegians working in the industry. In her spare time, Eliza has enjoyed volunteering at the Newtown Mission, an experience she believes has helped her maintain perspective while furthering her education.
For Eliza, one of Wesley’s greatest strengths has been the support that sits around its students. “Not only are friendships deeply fostered, but the academic support is great and hard to find elsewhere at the university,” she says. The College’s student tutoring program has provided an additional layer of academic support, while the opportunity to learn alongside students in different years has made it easier to seek advice, share knowledge and navigate university life.
Importantly, through Wesley, Eliza has begun to understand how university can connect her to a future beyond her studies. “I already have much greater insight into how I might bridge university and a career” she says. And while those practical opportunities matter, Eliza believes the connections formed through college may ultimately be the greatest advantage of all.
