Connected Conversations | Amy Chou & Jenny Won

Tell us about yourself.

Amy
My name is Amy Chou and I am from Toronto, Canada. I am a first-year dental student, but this is actually my third time at university as I have completed a Bachelor and Master of Accounting and Finance. Prior to starting university in Adelaide, I was working as a senior associate at an accounting firm, but I decided to quit my job and follow my lifelong dream of becoming a dentist. During my free time, I love doing outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping. I also love hunting for delicious food in the city and travelling. I definitely have the travel bug! I’ve been lucky enough to have visited 29 countries and I’m hoping to explore Australia once the travel restrictions are lifted. 

Jenny
My name Jiyeon Won but I’m known as Jenny. I’m 18 and originally from South Korea. I left South Korea when I was very young. I’m very thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up in Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Malaysia because now I speak Korean, Russian, English, Spanish and Indonesian fluently. Being a ‘third culture kid’ really made me appreciate and open my eyes to different cultures. Because of the international community that I grew up in, I’m blessed to have friends all over the world. Since I was young, I’ve always had a passion for human biology and anatomy which is why I decided to study a Bachelor of Nursing. My family and I thought that I’d go into the field of arts because of my linguistic abilities, but I changed my mind in my senior year of high school. My mum, aunt and grandpa are all in the medical field, so I guess blood really is thicker than water! 

What do you miss most about physically being at University?

Amy
Physically talking to someone in person. As much as I enjoy video calling my friends, I miss their actual presence. 

Jenny 
For me it’s the motivation and drive. And I miss interacting with other students and teachers. This pandemic has definitely made me realize that we do take a lot of things for granted, such as having access to face-to-face education.

Have you adjusted your expectations to what you can achieve at the moment?

Amy
I’m just moving with the flow. Since we were only in class for a few weeks before the temporary teaching pause, I wasn’t able to learn as much as I wanted too. I am confident that the university is quickly adapting, and our revised program will ensure that we continue to receive a high-quality education. I have seen this period as an opportunity to use my free time wisely for self improvement.

Jenny
I actually realized my expectations were too high for this moment. You can only do so much during this situation. 

What are you doing to stay motivated?

Amy
I started doing a 30-day video workout program with my friend in order to motivate me to stay active. We video call each other while working out to keep ourselves accountable to the schedule and it also makes it more fun! I also write down a to-do list every day. Crossing off the list throughout the day keeps me motivated and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Also, I blast music really loud to keep my spirits up!

Jenny
I just mentally remind myself that there is something that needs to be done, whether I want to or not. My nursing degree is something that I really want, so I try to think of this moment in time as a part of the process of getting to the final goal. 

What are you doing to stay connected to your lecturers, peers, friends, family etc? 

Amy
I think the Adelaide Dental School has done a great job keeping us updated and informed regarding the current situation. This week, the teachers conducted a Zoom meeting with the class to go over our revised schedule and answer any questions we have. I find that whenever I have questions, the lecturers always answer my emails promptly and thoroughly. I’ve been able to stay connected with my friends and family via social media, texting and video calls. 

Jenny
For me it’s been about staying connected with my family, friends and classmates through social media.

What’s the best advice you have heard to stay positive during this time?

Amy
Stay inside as much as possible, stay active; everything will be fine!

Jenny
That it may not be soon, but it will be over.

Name three things you won’t miss about this current moment in time.

Amy
Being a little paranoid about catching the virus every time I go out for groceries! Self-isolation and not being able to eat outside and travel with my family and friends.

Jenny
Not being able to go out with friends and many places being closed. 

And the three things you won’t forget…

Amy
How unusual and unexpected the whole situation was. I was in Taiwan prior to coming to Australia and I will never forget how everywhere I went my temperature was being taken and masks had to be worn at all times. How difficult it was to buy toilet paper and hand soap... and how often I washed my hands and disinfected my belongings!

Jenny
How quick people are to panic. That people actually fought over toilet paper (outrageous!) and the fear of not having basic necessities. 

Both 
Getting our weekly takeaway from the place under our accommodation! It’s become a ritual. We dress up, go downstairs, order our takeaway then go back upstairs to eat it in our apartment. It’s the little things!