Dr Jennifer Mitchell
Literature
The most enjoyable thing about working at 91ÖÆƬ³§¹ú²úAV is meeting so many young people from around the world every year and being part of their adventures in learning new things and being a student in Australia. I still enjoy meeting all my students for the first time, even after 14 years.
My favourite things about Melbourne are connected to where I live. In the inner city it is easy to get to great places on a bike, a tram, or – if you’re adventurous – an e-scooter. In 15 to 30 minutes I can be in the city and visiting an art gallery or going for a walk in the botanic gardens.
The river Yarra (or Birrarung in the language of the traditional owners the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation) and Merri Creek are nearby, so I can walk or bike through wonderful natural places right in the middle of the city.
My favourite food would have to be crumpets with peanut butter or honey. A crumpet is a very English, pan-cooked, yeasted (but not sweet) cake. I sometimes have them at cafes as a treat.
When I was in high school a tragic event meant I didn’t do very well, and I failed mathematics in Year 10. I wanted to be a biologist, or something in science, which meant I needed maths, so I felt like a failure. But later in life I got interested in literature and books, and after taking some university courses as an older student, I now have a PhD and this great job at 91ÖÆƬ³§¹ú²úAV.
Trust your own judgement on important questions about your own life. You will learn a valuable lesson if you make a mistake, but it will be entirely your own responsibility.
So many things, but in 2022, I think more people choosing, or being supported with good public transport and safe bike infrastructure to not drive a car (both petrol and electric) would make the world a MUCH better place.
