Meet your Student Council: Deb Russell

Deb RussellBachelor of Laws (3 Years), onlineUNE Student Council online representative

What are you studying?

I'm studying the 3-year Bachelor of Laws online. I became a 'second year' student this trimester.

What is the UNE Student Council and what do there?

The UNE Student Council is a group of students from different disciplines who are all enthusiastic about supporting UNE and their peers. I am one of five Online Representatives. We are a new team, having been elected in September this year to serve a 2-year term. We are currently forming our priorities. Essentially, we work with the university leadership and faculties to help represent and serve students' interests. So far, I have had the pleasure of attending and speaking in the Trimester 3 Digital Orientation for new students during trimester break, and I am representing the Student Council in the next UNE Ally Network meeting.

Should students get involved with the UNE Student Council?

Absolutely! I'd recommend getting involved in university life in whatever way makes you happy. My day job is in communications and engagement and I'm loving UNE, so it is a joy for me to be a part of helping to shape a great university experience as a member of the UNE Student Council. I'd also recommend that students get in touch with the Student Council to share their thoughts about what matters to them.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I've always loved English and being creative. When I was in Year 12, I thought I would choose to study theatre, fine arts, or law. I ended up choosing a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications. My major was initially Theatre, Film and Dance, and I switched to English with a focus on early poetry and literature.

In a serendipitous way, I may never have returned to my interest in law if it wasn't for a little bit of bad luck. I was working for a great company that fell into administration, and I decided to do a second degree to give myself more options in the future. I have loved learning law from day one. I like the deep thinking and that it's all about using words to solve problems that affect people's lives. I chose UNE because of its excellent reputation for distance learning, which allows me to juggle my commitments.

What would you like to do after your studies?

My goal is to make a career change into law.

What have been your biggest achievements and challenges in your study journey so far?

One of my biggest challenges was getting used to reading cases. There is a lot to read and it is an unfamiliar kind of reading at first. It takes time to know what you are looking for and get to know how the judgments are structured. One of my biggest achievements has been learning how to write in a legal context.All of my lecturers and tutors have helped me with this in different ways.

What has been your favourite unit so far?

Can I pick two? My favourites have been Law in Context and Criminal Law.

What have you learnt about yourself through university?

I have learned that it is absolutely possible to discover a new professional passion, no matter what stage of life you are in, and just go for it!

What are your hobbies and interests?

I work full-time and have two young daughters. I'm delighted to be a PASS Leader at UNE and also a volunteer ethics teacher in primary school. When I get the chance, I love riding my bike, nature walks, baking something delicious, or drawing or painting with some good music on.

Any advice you might give to other uni students or your younger self?

Don't be afraid to make a decision.

Anything else on you'd like to add?

Stay curious. Over the course of my career, the question I have asked myself each time I wanted to progress is, 'What do I want to do now?' To me, lifelong learning is intricately linked with being an engaged citizen of the world. I think that being flexible and taking a long-term view can lead you to learn and experience things you never thought you would. Importantly, think about what your values are and make them the yardstick for your decisions.

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