Melandri Vlok

ANU stood out as the best program available in archaeology and biological anthropology. The fact that I lived in the Canberra area only made it more of a definite choice. I have always been interested in history and science, and decided from a young age that I wanted to become an archaeologist. As I grew older I found an interest in forensics and ended up choosing a degree that allowed me to study and pursue all my interests.

Doing a degree at ANU has meant I have been taught by leading experts in the field and I have studied alongside students that will one day also be leaders within the field. Having gained knowledge from lecturers and tutors at ANU has provided me with the right set of skills necessary to excel in the field of archaeology.

What surprised me most was how approachable lecturers and tutors are. Lecturers at ANU individually cater to student’s strengths and weakness and are always available for assistance.

During my studies, I have attended an archaeology field school in the Philippines with the ANU. The experience I had on the field school was immeasurable and I plan on returning next year and extending research for my honours.

I am heavily involved in ABACUS which is the student society for archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and cultural heritage at ANU. I have made great friends through the society and when I am not attending classes, studying or preparing assessments I am hanging out in the archaeology student room with other students who share similar passions.

Outside of uni I am an elite rhythmic gymnast, coach and judge and spend every weekday afternoon at gymnastics doing one of these roles. It is a passion of mine since I started at 8 years old.

My advice to new students is that a balance of work, study and a social life is important and in order to find that balance it is also important to stay on top of things. So having a study schedule is the best way to stay organised without everything piling up at the same time.

Especially in first year, it is great to join many societies as it is through these that you will meet people who not only have similar interests, ideals and ideas but also people who have different interests. Having people around who are going through the same university experiences as you as well as knowing people who are later year students who have been through those experiences are really beneficial for university life.

I am grateful for the opportunity to study at ANU. I have been fortunate to have many different opportunities available to me such as field school experience both local and overseas. As I finish my undergraduate studies at the end of 2015, I am confident that the skills and knowledge that I have acquired at ANU have set me up for the next step in my career. 

Melandri has since graduated from the university.