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By Bernadette Perera, Eynesbury College alumna and current Adelaide University student
Bernadette Perera (left) returned to Eynesbury College’s Trimester 2 Orientation as an alumna and current Adelaide University student, supporting the Student Ambassador team in welcoming new students to campus.
Walking through those doors a year later was a full-circle moment that I will never forget.
A year ago, I walked through those same doors with fear, nervousness, and a thousand questions racing through my mind.
Will I make friends?
Will I do well in my studies?
Will I be able to handle everything?
Those questions filled me with anxiety and uncertainty. Everything was new, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. But this year, as I stepped into Orientation once again as an alumna, I felt something completely different. I felt Confident. It was incredible to realise how much can change in just one year.
Orientation at Eynesbury College has always been more than just an introduction to classes. Every orientation is different, but the information sessions and friendships remain the same. It is a time when students begin to understand their programs, discover the campus, and meet people who may eventually become lifelong friends. During my very first orientation, the information sessions introduced me to concepts that were entirely new to me. I learned about academic integrity, academic support, and the wellbeing services available at the college. At the time, I didn’t realise how important these resources would become. Looking back now, I can honestly say that I am grateful they existed. They became some of the greatest sources of support throughout my journey.
“A year ago, I walked through those doors with fear.
This year, I walked through them with confidence.”
During Orientation, Eynesbury College Principal Lynne Hoffmeister shared three pieces of advice with students. As I listened, I found myself resonating with every word because I had lived those lessons over the past year.
She explained that the grades we receive reflect the effort and enthusiasm we invest in our studies. Looking back, I have seen this truth firsthand. During my first few weeks, I believed that pre-readings and lecture materials weren’t that important because everything would be covered in tutorials anyway. I quickly learned that I was wrong. Tutorials are built upon the pre-lecture content, and without preparing beforehand, it becomes much harder to keep up.
One piece of advice I would give to new students is to complete your readings and watch your pre-lecture content before class. It makes all the difference.
The second piece of advice from Lynne was to engage in campus life.
From events and peer support programs to volunteering opportunities and adventures, she emphasised the importance of saying yes to experiences beyond the classroom.
As an international student, making friends in a new country wasn’t easy. There were moments when I felt lonely and unsure of where I belonged. But everything began to change when I started volunteering and participating in events.
Those experiences became the foundation of my journey in Adelaide.
They pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me build meaningful friendships, and allowed me to grow into a more confident version of myself. Looking back, I realise that some of the best memories and opportunities came from simply saying “yes.”
Bernadette’s Eynesbury College journey extended far beyond the classroom, helping her build confidence, leadership skills and lifelong connections. Left: Bernadette with the Student Ambassador team outside the Brookman Building. Right: Leading an Amazing Race activity for education agents visiting Adelaide during a Study Adelaide Agent Familiarisation Tour.
The final piece of advice was to seek support when needed.
Sometimes, as students, we convince ourselves that we need to navigate everything alone. But the truth is, we don’t.
Eynesbury College provides academic support, accommodation support, and counselling services to ensure that students are never alone in their journey. These services are provided by professionals who genuinely care and want students to succeed.
Personally, academic support played a huge role in my own success. It helped me strengthen my academic writing skills and ultimately contributed to me securing a scholarship to Adelaide University, something I once only dreamed of achieving.
One lesson I have learned is that asking for help does not make you weak. It shows courage. It shows that you are committed to your goals and willing to learn.
In hindsight, I wish I had worried less about having all the answers and trusted more in the support systems around me.
Returning to Orientation reminded me of how much I have grown over the past year.
The student who once walked through those doors, feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, is now studying at Adelaide University, pursuing new opportunities and embracing new challenges with confidence.
Standing alongside the Student Ambassadors and welcoming new students was a special experience because I couldn’t help but think about the girl who walked through those doors one year earlier.
If I could speak to her now, I would tell her:
“You’re going to be okay.”
“You’re going to make friends.”
“You’re going to grow.”
“You’re going to surprise yourself.”
If you are a new student attending Orientation, my advice is simple: embrace the experience.
Attend the sessions. Ask questions. Introduce yourself to new people. Take advantage of the support available and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
You may not realise it today, but this is the beginning of a journey that can change your life. A year ago, I walked through those doors with fear. This year, I walked through them with confidence.
One year from now, you might find yourself walking through those same doors again and realising just how far you’ve come.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Bernadette Perera as part of Eynesbury College’s Content Squad initiative, which provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in content creation, marketing and communications while sharing their unique perspectives and experiences.