Interview with Laura Mallett, UNEMSA
Studying medicine and interested in joining a club or society at UNE?
Meet Laura Mallett… she lives at Wright College and is currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine. Even though her degree sounds super interesting, we wanted to find out more about her involvement in The University of New England Medical Students Association (UNEMSA).
Let’s find out more…
Where did you grow up and long have you been at UNE?
I’ve been studying medicine at UNE for the last 3 years. I wanted to study medicine because it gives you the opportunity to have a direct impact on people’s lives individually, and in the community. I was born and grew up in Sydney before moving to Armidale in 2017, straight after finishing high school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, baking, playing sport and travelling.
Why did you first get involved with the Medical Students Association (UNEMSA)?
My first involvement with UNEMSA was joining the Women in Medicine Cocktail Evening subcommittee in my first year. Helping to organise this event gave me a taste of what it was like to be involved in UNEMSA and I was keen to get involved!
I was UNEMSA’s Academic Convenor last year and President this year. At the beginning of my first year, I nominated myself for UNEMSA’s first-year rep and was unsuccessful. This taught me that just because you don’t succeed the first time, you shouldn’t give up trying to achieve your goals. 😊
“UNEMSA have done some amazing stuff for UNE. They accomplished so much during 2019 with the awards to show. They won Society of the Year and President of the Year at our annual Clubs and Society’s Award Night. There is no doubt that they are the most active society at UNE with the many events that they hold, including balls, charity events, and themed weeks. They really are the back-bone of clubs, campus and culture.” James Hudson Clubs and Student Experience
2019 Clubbies Awards
What’s the best thing about being involved in the UNEMSA?
I have loved so many parts of being involved in UNEMSA! One of the highlights would be the opportunity to get to know the members of the committee and medical students in other cohorts.
UNEMSA has allowed me to make strong friendships with people I otherwise may not have known, which I have really valued. I love the strong collegiately between medical students that UNEMSA fosters.
What sort of things to you do within the society?
As President, my main role has been to drive UNEMSA’s vision and goals this year. I have attended many meetings and worked closely with the medical faculty at UNE, University of Newcastle (UON) and the President of the UON Medical Society to advocate for medical students. This has included the construction of our annual report to the Australian Medical Council and a Student Support Guide. Another large aspect of my role has been to oversee the functioning of the executive and general committee. I have endeavoured to make all UNEMSA committee and general members feel well supported, valued and empowered to achieve their goals.
Women In Medicine Presentation 2019
What’s your favourite UNEMSA memory?
There are too many! I have loved the opportunity to represent UNE at the Australian Medical Students Association’s (AMSA) Councils. It has been incredible meeting like-minded medical students from all over Australia that are passionate about making a difference.
ASMA Council Meeting 2019
Apart from your student life, what other commitments do you have?
Other than University and UNEMSA, I really enjoy playing netball and attending church. I also work as a tutor at a local school in town.
Laura, you’re an incredibly inspirational student! Thanks for your time, before you go, lets end with a few quickfire questions!
What’s your favourite UNE event? The Clubs Gala Dinner was such a fun night this year!
What’s on the top of your bucket list? Travel! Travel! Aaand… travel! ✈️
Describe yourself in three words? Thoughtful, organised, driven
What’s your guilty pleasure? Staying in my pyjamas all-day 💁♀️
Describe your study space.A tidy desk, colourful binders and lots of pretty diagrams.
We’re hoping Laura’s enthusiasm has inspired you to think more about joining a UNE Life Club or Society…
Why not check them all out!
