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Current Mentors: Hot Tips
One of the most important elements of the Telemachus Ancient History Mentor Program’s Mission Statement is that we create a legacy of care – where we pass on all we have learned to help future first-year students have a smooth and enjoyable transition to higher education at Macquarie University. With this in mind, our current Mentors have provided the hottest tips they can think of to help you hit the ground running with your studies and social life in Ancient History. Enjoy!
Jovana Bardak
“Make that extra effort to read over the notes you take down during a lecture or tutorial and ensure that you fully understand the content that was being discussed. If any doubts arise never be too afraid to approach a fellow uni student or lecturer and ask them to go over the content with you. Leaving it to the last minute before the exams can create a lot of stress when you are unable to study because you didnt completely understand the topic.”
Shenali Boange
"Go on a library tour! They are extremely beneficial as you do spend a lot of time in the library, so it's good to know your way around the place and how everything works."
Therese Clarke
“Whilst there is a lot of useless stuff on the Net, there are a large number of excellent resources online with out-of-copyright archaeological reports in PDF and museum search facilities. Ask questions, find out which websites have been useful to others who have done the course, and of course, come along to the Tele’s Angels Digital Resources Seminar which will help you sort the good from the bad!”
Matt George
"My hot tip is in two parts. The first part would be not to be intimidated by university, as even though it might seem so scary and big, there are plenty of people who will be more than ready to help you. The second part is to get to know as many of your peers as possible, as they can help you in numerous ways, like from forming study groups to providing healthy competition playing pool!"
Miriam Gillett
"Listen to the people that tell you not to leave things to the last minute! Whenever possible, complete one of the tutorial papers for a subject in the first few weeks, even though it might feel too early to be doing work. Even if it is a tute paper for weeks 5 or 6, get it done earlier and it will make it so much easier towards exam time. From experience, this really works."
Claire Hainey
"Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about something related to an assignment. Often everyone else is just as unsure about the same thing!”
Chris Hale
“Get Involved! The more you put in the more you get out, so get involved with the various Ancient History societies on campus and get to know your fellow students OUTSIDE of the classroom. It’s all about making the contacts!”
Amber Hood
“I really encourage everyone to make the most of the incredible fieldwork opportunities that Macquarie offers. There is a dig for everyone, regardless of which period of ancient history you are interested in. If archaeology is what you want to do, then AHST310 is a great way to kick-start your fieldwork experience! Fieldwork has helped many of us discover our thesis topics and has led to future work and research opportunities. In addition to all of these benefits, fieldwork is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences you will have as an undergraduate student in archaeology and ancient history!”
Evan Jewell
“I found that coming from a high school system, where the standards you had to meet to succeed were all laid out in a nice set of syllabus guidelines, became irrelevant at university. It was hard to know what the standards of university were compared to where I had come from. I soon discovered that the best remedy for this was to actually ask the lecturers themselves, and 99% of the time I received the answer I was looking for. So don't be afraid to ask questions! Lots of them!”
Milena Kooyman
"My hot tip would be not to get too stressed with uni, work... and life in general. If you have a problem, question or are simply just stressed out, chances are so are your classmates, so it is always nice to vent together. Your lecturers and tutors are always as eager for a chat as we are, so it's important to remember that you're not going through uni alone!"
Beverley Miles
"My hot tip is 'don't give up!' There will be difficult times ahead: you may find your mind drifting from hieroglyphs homework very late at night to the philosophical question of 'why does that sign look like a mushroom flying on a broomstick?' But then there will be these amazing moments of discovery and harmony when your new Ancient History skills start to stick: you'll be walking around campus and you'll see the real estate agent sign for Tracy Yap, but if you're doing Greek every time you see it you'll think 'Tracy Gar'!"
Amy Odlum
“If you're going to speak with a member of staff, check the Ancient History Department website first to find out what they look like and which office they are in - this saves you passing them in the stairwell/walking past their office really awkwardly as you realise you've passed them!"
Rob Persson
“Do something else! We all know that ancient history as an area of study is endless - but why limit yourself just to it as your area of study? Subjects like modern history, philosophy, and even the natural sciences are themselves rewarding and will actually expand your ability as an ancient historian.”
Alyce Peruzzi
“My hot tip is to not be afraid to approach your tutors or lecturers with any questions. They know the most about the subject and can help ease any anxieties you may be feeling.”
Ronika Power
“Without doubt, my best advice to anyone starting a course at university is to make lots of friends in your courses! There is no way I would have survived my studies if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and collaboration of my friends.”
Ellen Ryan
"Make sure you always have money on your library card, as there is nothing more annoying than lining up for the printer or photocopier, and then realising you have no money, and having to go and line up to put more money on your card!"
Liz Smith
"When you are enetering or leaving the library, hold the swinging gate open for the person behind you - it's never nice to have that thing slam on your legs! Little things can help other people have a great day!"
HOT TIPS ARCHIVE
Please find following the 'Hot Tips' issued by past mentors. I'm sure you'll agree their advice is still worth its weight in gold!
Eve Guerry
“Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask lecturers, tutors, mentors and peers if there is anything on your mind or anything you are unsure about. Nothing is too trivial or too complex and chances are you are not the first person with that question. Even if your question is just "I am doing this right?", it's surprising what a world of difference a small piece of information can make!”
Clare Rowan
“For healthy food and a change from the norm, hit the cafe at the gym! And while you are there why not take some classes? Sit mens sana in corpore sano.”
Did you find this helpful? Do you have a hot tip you’d like to share with fellow students?
Let us know!
Is there some information missing?
Bring it to our attention!
telesangels@gmail.com
Jovana Bardak
“Make that extra effort to read over the notes you take down during a lecture or tutorial and ensure that you fully understand the content that was being discussed. If any doubts arise never be too afraid to approach a fellow uni student or lecturer and ask them to go over the content with you. Leaving it to the last minute before the exams can create a lot of stress when you are unable to study because you didnt completely understand the topic.”
Shenali Boange
"Go on a library tour! They are extremely beneficial as you do spend a lot of time in the library, so it's good to know your way around the place and how everything works."
Therese Clarke
“Whilst there is a lot of useless stuff on the Net, there are a large number of excellent resources online with out-of-copyright archaeological reports in PDF and museum search facilities. Ask questions, find out which websites have been useful to others who have done the course, and of course, come along to the Tele’s Angels Digital Resources Seminar which will help you sort the good from the bad!”
Matt George
"My hot tip is in two parts. The first part would be not to be intimidated by university, as even though it might seem so scary and big, there are plenty of people who will be more than ready to help you. The second part is to get to know as many of your peers as possible, as they can help you in numerous ways, like from forming study groups to providing healthy competition playing pool!"
Miriam Gillett
"Listen to the people that tell you not to leave things to the last minute! Whenever possible, complete one of the tutorial papers for a subject in the first few weeks, even though it might feel too early to be doing work. Even if it is a tute paper for weeks 5 or 6, get it done earlier and it will make it so much easier towards exam time. From experience, this really works."
Claire Hainey
"Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about something related to an assignment. Often everyone else is just as unsure about the same thing!”
Chris Hale
“Get Involved! The more you put in the more you get out, so get involved with the various Ancient History societies on campus and get to know your fellow students OUTSIDE of the classroom. It’s all about making the contacts!”
Amber Hood
“I really encourage everyone to make the most of the incredible fieldwork opportunities that Macquarie offers. There is a dig for everyone, regardless of which period of ancient history you are interested in. If archaeology is what you want to do, then AHST310 is a great way to kick-start your fieldwork experience! Fieldwork has helped many of us discover our thesis topics and has led to future work and research opportunities. In addition to all of these benefits, fieldwork is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences you will have as an undergraduate student in archaeology and ancient history!”
Evan Jewell
“I found that coming from a high school system, where the standards you had to meet to succeed were all laid out in a nice set of syllabus guidelines, became irrelevant at university. It was hard to know what the standards of university were compared to where I had come from. I soon discovered that the best remedy for this was to actually ask the lecturers themselves, and 99% of the time I received the answer I was looking for. So don't be afraid to ask questions! Lots of them!”
Milena Kooyman
"My hot tip would be not to get too stressed with uni, work... and life in general. If you have a problem, question or are simply just stressed out, chances are so are your classmates, so it is always nice to vent together. Your lecturers and tutors are always as eager for a chat as we are, so it's important to remember that you're not going through uni alone!"
Beverley Miles
"My hot tip is 'don't give up!' There will be difficult times ahead: you may find your mind drifting from hieroglyphs homework very late at night to the philosophical question of 'why does that sign look like a mushroom flying on a broomstick?' But then there will be these amazing moments of discovery and harmony when your new Ancient History skills start to stick: you'll be walking around campus and you'll see the real estate agent sign for Tracy Yap, but if you're doing Greek every time you see it you'll think 'Tracy Gar'!"
Amy Odlum
“If you're going to speak with a member of staff, check the Ancient History Department website first to find out what they look like and which office they are in - this saves you passing them in the stairwell/walking past their office really awkwardly as you realise you've passed them!"
Rob Persson
“Do something else! We all know that ancient history as an area of study is endless - but why limit yourself just to it as your area of study? Subjects like modern history, philosophy, and even the natural sciences are themselves rewarding and will actually expand your ability as an ancient historian.”
Alyce Peruzzi
“My hot tip is to not be afraid to approach your tutors or lecturers with any questions. They know the most about the subject and can help ease any anxieties you may be feeling.”
Ronika Power
“Without doubt, my best advice to anyone starting a course at university is to make lots of friends in your courses! There is no way I would have survived my studies if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and collaboration of my friends.”
Ellen Ryan
"Make sure you always have money on your library card, as there is nothing more annoying than lining up for the printer or photocopier, and then realising you have no money, and having to go and line up to put more money on your card!"
Liz Smith
"When you are enetering or leaving the library, hold the swinging gate open for the person behind you - it's never nice to have that thing slam on your legs! Little things can help other people have a great day!"
HOT TIPS ARCHIVE
Please find following the 'Hot Tips' issued by past mentors. I'm sure you'll agree their advice is still worth its weight in gold!
Eve Guerry
“Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask lecturers, tutors, mentors and peers if there is anything on your mind or anything you are unsure about. Nothing is too trivial or too complex and chances are you are not the first person with that question. Even if your question is just "I am doing this right?", it's surprising what a world of difference a small piece of information can make!”
Clare Rowan
“For healthy food and a change from the norm, hit the cafe at the gym! And while you are there why not take some classes? Sit mens sana in corpore sano.”
Did you find this helpful? Do you have a hot tip you’d like to share with fellow students?
Let us know!
Is there some information missing?
Bring it to our attention!
telesangels@gmail.com

