We were delighted to catch up with Gina Steinberg (DorotÌý Carmel 2016) recently to get an update on life since winning her scholarship.

Straight after school, you embarked on a ‘shnattie’ gap year in Israel. Of your experiences there, was there something in particular that you feel altered the course of your life or left a lasting impression on you?

Taking a year off before starting uni was the best decision; especially embarking on such a meaningful, intentional, and diverse 10 months. Of my experiences there, I guess living independently being freshly 18 left a lasting impression on me. Not only considering myself and my needs but the needs of 33 others with whom I was living taught me many valuable lessons. Being the elected ‘treasurer’ of the group, I took a crash course in financial literacy and played quite a pivotal role in the group’s dynamics. The memories and experiences our Shnat group shared together remain so vivid for me and are times I will truly never forget. I came home with a passion for social action, but also engrained values of tolerance, respect and compassion for those around me. There is something different about friends that you live with for a year, and I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many of them in Melbourne, where I am currently living.Ìý

Last time we caught up with you, you had just won a prestigious scholarship and had commenced your degree at Curtin University. Can you briefly recap for us the nature of the scholarship and your degree field/s?

The Curtin website says that theÌýJohn Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship (JCUS) is Curtin's most prestigious scholarship program for students commencing their degree. I was lucky enough to receive this scholarship prior to starting my double degree of Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations) at Curtin in 2018. Not only did the scholarship allow me to be a part of an incredibly driven, passionate and likeminded group of people, but the networking and volunteer experiences I gained through the program were incredible. Throughout my time at Curtin, I was guided by my mentor as part of JCUS and was able to attend monthly workshops led by a different alumni member. The scholarship also financially supported my international student exchange, for which I am so incredibly grateful. I am still in touch with many students and ex-students of the scholarship program and am always in awe of the amazing and world-changing things they are all getting up to.Ìý

You recently completed an exchange study program. Where did you go to and how did you find that experience?

I was lucky enough to be able to squeeze in my exchange just before the world seemed to fall apart! In 2019, I took off to the University of Birmingham in England where I lived in student halls, sharing a flat with six other students from around the world. I was able to take four psychology units abroad, which was super-fascinating learning in a different country, but I also took part in a range of things offered by the uni itself. College life is huge in the UK, and I took advantage of all the crazy things that come with it. I was on the uni netball team and cheerleading team and took part in the annual musical. It really was such a memorable journey and the people I met abroad are still close friends of mine. College life is definitely different to Australian uni life, and I feel grateful to have been able to spend those five months at the Uni of Birmingham, living independently and doing solo travel all around Europe. In particular, I really appreciated how students in the UK are so patriotic to their universities, despite their hometowns often being a separate place. There was lots of camaraderie between the students and I felt super-involved in uni spirit and life.

Now that you’re coming to the ‘pointy end’ of your degree, is there a future area of work or practice that is looking appealing to you?ÌýIs there a particular memory you have of your Carmel days that you feel has defined you, or a teacher that inspired you in any way?

I look back on my time at Carmel with so many fond memories - it feels as though I have never left (some people will make fun of me and say that I never actually did). Whilst no one specific memory comes to mind, the intimate class sizes, close bond amongst the pupils and the nurturing learning and teaching environment all definitely had such a positive impact on me, both as a person and as a current uni student.

Mr Hall - who I have been able to catch up with most trips home to Perth - had a significant impact on my schooling career. His unconditional support and words of wisdom really inspired me to reach for my goals and to be the best version of myself. With his guidance and assistance, I was lucky enough to be awarded the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship in 2018.

I always love coming back to Carmel; the sense of familiarity and homeliness is always present. I always feel so proud talking about ¹ú±êÂ鶹ÊÓƵAPP and my fantastic school education to the new people I come across in Melbourne. I honestly would not have had my school experience any other way!!

Do you have, hobbies, interests or pursuits that you gravitate to in your down time from uni?

When not in lockdown (which isn’t so frequent these days…) I try and keep as busy as possible. I believe there is much more to a well-rounded person than just good grades. Having moved to Melbourne just over a year ago, I made it my mission to always be trying new things. My newest endeavour is footy. I play for the Jewish football club AJAX. With the season currently on hold, we are hoping to be in the grand final in a few weeks’ time. I also am still playing competitive netball, which I will continue doing until I no longer enjoy it, or my knees give in, whichever comes first. I volunteer with an organisation called Little Dreamers, which supports young people aged 4 to 25 who provide care for a family member affected by disability, illness or addiction.

When I am not working at the psychology clinic, I am the participant coordinator of a disability support organisation called CareNow. I help in the recruitment side of things, interviewing new carers and getting to know young people all across Melbourne. Living away from home has meant spending more time in the kitchen. Despite trying my hardest, I am still no good (sorry Mum) so cooking has been a good lockdown challenge. I also love spending time outside and exploring Melbourne! Lucky for me, my two jobs are keeping me quite busy and sane during these lockdowns and, as an extra bonus, I am constantly chatting and working with others, allowing me to be social whilst working remotely.