Meet Our Narrm Scholar - Mischa Case

Now in her second year of a Bachelor of Design, majoring in Architecture and Urban Planning, Mischa has embraced university life in ways she never expected, building meaningful friendships, gaining professional experience and growing in confidence along the way.

A fresh start in Melbourne

Growing up in regional New South Wales, Mischa knew she wanted to study somewhere that would challenge and inspire her. The University of Melbourne's Bachelor of Design stood out because of the flexibility to explore different interests before committing to a career path.

"What attracted me most to Melbourne is that there's always something happening," she says. "Whether it's a concert, festival, musical or simply exploring a new part of the city, there are so many opportunities to try new things."

That sense of possibility has shaped her university experience from the beginning, both in her studies and through the experiences she's had beyond the classroom.

_{Mischa joined her exchange friends at their first experience of an AFL game}

More than just a place to live

Finding the right place to live played an important role in helping Mischa settle into life in Melbourne. When she first visited Lisa Bellear House (LBH), she immediately felt a connection to the hall.

"It felt like a little escape from the city while still being right in the middle of everything," she says. "Coming from a country town, having the park across the road really stood out to me. It reminded me of home."

While the location drew her in, it was the people who made the biggest impact.

"Living here has made it so much easier to meet people and build friendships," she says. "Having a community around you makes such a difference when you're moving away from home for the first time."

Through University Accommodation, Mischa quickly found a sense of belonging and built friendships that have become a defining part of her university experience.

_{Mischa and her group of friends (most of them were exchange students) held their own pasta night every Tuesday in the LBH common kitchen, where they paired up and took turns cooking pasta for the group}

Saying yes to new opportunities

As a Narrm Scholar, Mischa has also had opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. One of the highlights of her journey has been participating in the Students@Work program, where she secured a role as an Alumni Relations Administration Assistant.

"It was my first experience working in a professional environment," she says. "I learned so much about workplace communication, collaboration and how different people bring their strengths together to achieve a common goal."

Interview coaching and career development support from the University helped her feel confident applying for the role.

"The coaching helped me realise that I had more to offer than I thought. It gave me the confidence to apply and back myself."

Looking back, Mischa says the greatest lesson has been learning to embrace opportunities, even when they feel outside her comfort zone.

Growing into what's next

As she continues working towards her goal of becoming a registered architect, Mischa reflects on how much she has grown since arriving in Melbourne. Alongside her studies, she has built lasting friendships, developed valuable professional skills and found a community where she feels supported and connected.

_{Mischa and her fellow LBH residents in front of the map in the kitchen common area. The map is a very cool part of LBH, where you stick a pin in the place you are from. The students in this photo represent 5 different countries!}

For students considering applying for a scholarship, her advice is simple: "Don't rule yourself out. You never know where an opportunity might lead."

For Mischa, the Narrm Scholarship has been about more than support. It's been about gaining the confidence to embrace new experiences and make the most of university life.