Mix it Up

Victoria University Mix It Up Program

During July and August, students at St Albans were lucky enough to be a part of the Victoria University Mix It Up program.  Mix It Up is an intercultural civics education program designed to encourage students from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds into law-related future careers.

Three of our students went to a program in the school holidays which provided careers guidance, job interview practice and an insight into the law through court visits. The students who attended were Tony To and Taylah Tran of Year 10 and Tony Micallef of Year 11.

As part of the program, Lin Jong of the Western Bulldogs spoke to all Year 11 students on 7 August. Lin is of Taiwanese and East Timorese descent.  He spoke to the students about issues he had faced in playing AFL football.  He spoke about perseverance through tough times, such as when he was injured and not able to play, and his rehabilitation process.  Lin was a humble and generous with his time. The students were able to ask him questions, and have photos taken with him afterwards.

The second part of the day saw two current VU students speak to a Year 11 legal studies class about career prospects in the law.  Lisa, studying law, was born in Afghanistan, and Michael, studying Justice was born in Sudan.  Their stories of university were of interest to the students in opening their eyes to possible study and career options.  They also brought a barrister’s wig and gown which one student was able to try on.  They were inspirational to many students, encouraging them to continue with legal studies and related fields beyond school.

Student reflection

On 12 & 13 July, I had an opportunity to represent SASC, in Victoria University’s Mix It Up program. It was held at VU’s legal school; the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre. This programme enabled participants to gain insight into the legal system and experience opportunities that would not have been available without this programme. On the first day, we had an opportunity to work on our resumes and job interviews through mock interviews and one on one talks with people with experience in the legal system. We looked at different pathways into the legal system. On the second day we had an extremely unique experience to talk one on one, with his Honour Judge Saccardo at the County Court. We also had the opportunity to sit through a REAL criminal trial.  On the same day we also had an opportunity to do a tour of the Parliament of Victoria.

It was a great experience.

Tony Micallef, 11B