Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your area of study?
Hi, I’m Tanya. I’m an Indian-qualified lawyer now based in Melbourne, currently undertaking a Master of Laws (LLM) at Monash University while also working in the legal profession in Australia. My days are usually a mix of college work, office work, volunteering and trying to keep up with deadlines (and coffee).
Outside of law, I love watching cricket, experimenting in the kitchen (results are debatable, but enthusiasm is not), and getting involved in community initiatives whenever I can. I’m especially passionate about volunteering and love anything that brings people together, particularly creating a connection between international and domestic students, because university is always better when you actually know the people around you.
What motivated you to join the executive committee, or what drives you to make a difference in your graduate student community?
Having lived and worked across two countries, I’ve learned that settling in somewhere new is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. That’s why I care about making student life feel more welcoming, social, and a little less isolating. Through my role as a General Representative with MGA, I hope to help build that sense of community and make sure graduate students don’t just study together, but actually feel connected.