Student Diary Artwork Competition

...In the days and years that followed, I formed friendships that became family, and by my second year, I had met my future husband—all through SCU. 

Although I deeply miss my island home, living near Coffs Harbour constantly reminds me how connected the two places are by the ocean. That connection inspired my diary design. My artwork brings together memories from both homes: exploring rock reefs and hunting for octopus as a child, creating handmade posters to protect turtle nesting sites as a teenager, and now standing on Australian headlands watching whales migrate along the coast. 

Separated by thousands of kilometres yet connected by the oceans of the world, my two homes have shaped who I am today. SCU is the place that brought those two worlds together. 

...Each circular form represents a stage of development — in learning, confidence and personal transformation. Just as shells form through time, pressure and movement, my journey at SCU has been shaped by new challenges, supportive communities and the continual process of becoming. The patterns and motifs within the circles echo this evolution, expanding and deepening as knowledge and self belief grow. 
Together, these elements express what SCU means to me: a place where environment, people and learning intertwine to create connection, opportunity and transformation."

...The ocean represents the changing experiences of university life. Like waves, there can be challenges and uncertainty, but these experiences also help us learn, adapt and become more confident. The plants and flowers in the foreground represent growth, while their different colours reflect the different people, experiences and opportunities that come together at SCU. 
 
The blue and teal tones connect the artwork with SCU and its coastal environment. The yellow, pink and orange details add warmth, happiness and optimism. Overall, the open coastline creates a peaceful but hopeful feeling. To me, SCU is a place where I can grow, find my own direction and look towards the future with confidence." 

...Surrounding it are elements inspired by the golden wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem. Its golden colour and resilience represent the strength, courage, and determination of SCU students as they pursue their goals and overcome challenges. The rainbow lorikeet represents the many abilities, talents, perspectives, and aspirations of students. Its vibrant colours reflect the diversity of SCU’s community, bringing together students from across Australia and around the world. 
 
The artwork also respectfully acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, recognising their enduring connection to Country, culture, knowledge, and community. This is an important part of representing SCU and its relationship with the regions in which its campuses are located. Overall, this artwork aims to show that although every student has a different story, we are connected under the same Southern Cross stronger together, diverse by nature, and united by our shared journey at SCU." 

...The dotted line shows that the path isn’t always a line. There can be changes, problems and different ways to go along the way. SCU can help students as they keep growing and learning. 
The finished origami bird flying shows being prepared to go. For me it shows how university can help shape us into the person we want to be and get us ready, for the future we want."

...The open space creates a sense of calm, freedom and possibility, and the blue-green palette reflects SCU’s signature colours. “Find your wave. Find your way.” expresses the idea that every student has their own path, while SCU helps us find our own rhythm and direction for the future."