International student story - Siddhi Nakashe
Siddhi Nakashe is a second-year student in the Master of Business Law program. As students begin to return to campus in Semester 2 2020, Siddhi reflected on how she found Semester 1 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I hail from Mumbai, India. It’s been a year since I moved to Adelaide. I'm really lucky to pursue my dreams in Australia and proud of myself for moving out at 21 and becoming independent. I aspire to be a solicitor and run a successful law firm with concentration in women in law. I also really enjoy baking and cooking, and I wish to have a small cozy café at some point in my life as a side income.
What is your goal once you have completed your degree?
When I complete my Masters, I wish to take up a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, which is a requirement in Australia to become a solicitor. As law is a male dominated industry, I want to reform the status of women in this industry. I really aspire to give women rock-solid support to stand by each other.
How have you adapted to learning online?
Honestly, I struggled the first week as I was learning to keep up with my timetable and due dates. But as soon as I picked it up and learned how to manage my schedule – it ended up going so well that I now really enjoy online classes. Especially when I am sitting in my PJ’s, having an avo toast and coffee in my bed.
What support have you received from the University of Adelaide and Australian Government during COVID-19?
I received various grants through the University's Student Support package, the State Government's International Student grant, and accommodation support. It was a major relief to get this help from the University and helped reduce my stress levels. I couldn't be more grateful for this support.
Have you learnt any new skills from studying online in the past semester?
Yes, I have polished my skills of balancing everything that I do without stressing out. To maintain this, I practice 10 minutes of meditation before I start studying. I have become really good at my research and also brushed up on my Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Have you picked up any new hobbies since spending more time at home?
There are so many! Cooking cuisines from around the world, baking delicious desserts, yoga to keep me calm, and painting to keep my inside child happy. And I can't forget cleaning! I love the feeling I get after cleaning.
What do you miss about your home country?
My family, and the gatherings we had together on Sundays. It was always filled with love, laughter, and food!
Speed round!
Zoom or in-person?
Zoom please!
What's your go-to study playlist?
My ultimate study playlist is this 2020 TikTok songs playlist. The songs are catchy and trendy!
Adelaide Hills or Adelaide's beaches?
Of course Adelaide's beaches!
Home delivery or home-cooked?
Home-cooked meals (hands down, says the chef inside me).
Reading books or streaming TV/movies?
Streaming movies any time! My best pick this year was 'Hamilton' on Disney+.
3 things you won't miss about COVID-19 restrictions?
- Not being able to dine out
- No coffee catch ups
- No gym
3 things you won't forget about COVID-19?
- Baking every day
- My bed and my PJ's
- Uncountable hours of Netflix watching!