Let’s Meet Another (!) Chapter Member …

Each eNews, we introduce you to some of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the second Member in the hotseat is:  Amelia Zaraftis, Director of Advancement, Burgmann College, ACT

When and where did your career in education begin? 
Throughout my primary and secondary schooling, I enjoyed tutoring my peers and learning how other people formed knowledge. I have always delighted in teaching; establishing a shared understanding, then witnessing the ‘ah-ha’ moment. While I trained as a Primary School teacher, my first specialist teaching role was teaching weekend visual arts classes for children and teens at the ANU, closely followed by my first ‘proper job’ as a museum and gallery educator at Canberra Museum and Gallery. Education, equity and community are the common threads of my career.  

What interests you most in terms of your role?
The remarkable strength and power of community. I am interested in the transformative experience our residents have at college, and equally, in the broader intergenerational community of our Alumni and friends. I think being part of a healthy community supports people on their pathway to self-knowledge. Our Alumni often reflect on their time at Burgmann as a place where they felt truly cared for, where mistakes were made and challenges were overcome with the support of others, and where lifelong friendships were formed. What a gift this experience is alongside a university education and as one transitions to adulthood.  

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
As a first-in-family university graduate, I was supported by a National Undergraduate Scholarship to attend ANU. I find it incredibly rewarding to work to strengthen our scholarships program. Together, we are opening doors for students who may otherwise miss out on the transformative opportunity to live as part of a vibrant residential community and access a university education.   

What do you love most about your role?
People, people, people! My role affords me the privilege to engage and work closely with so many inspiring people. I love getting to know people, hearing about their stories and aspirations, and working together to make a positive difference in the world.  

What are you currently doing that would interest other members in educate+?
I have the great honour to work as a co-facilitator of the Sharing Stories Arts Exchange (SSAE) program at the ANU School of Art & Design. SSAE is a creative participatory project focused on building positive reciprocal relationships between members of the Canberra community and local regional Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Each year, our program participants engage in structured creative field programs visiting communities and culturally significant sites on Country and are invited to share in truth-listening and truth-telling as they meet and gain understanding from First Nations knowledge holders and community members. 

For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement what advice would you give them?
Jump on in! You’ll be joining a wonderful community of practitioners who generously share their knowledge and experience. It is incredibly rewarding work.   

What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have that colleagues might not expect? 
I love to sing! A few years ago, we formed a staff band ‘The Fun Police’ with colleagues across student residences on ANU campus and we were the warm-up act for the interhall “Big Night Out” student battle-of-the-bands competition. There was some serious musical talent amongst my colleagues, and the highlight for me was singing Aretha Franklin’s RESPECT on an outdoor stage on University Avenue.  

What motivated you to join the NSW/ACT Chapter Committee?
So many things! Foremost, it is the professional, respectful, and welcoming culture of the organisation. What a lovely bunch of people! When I first started out in Advancement, I was provided with so much support and encouragement from other members of educate+. I’ve since had the pleasure of contributing to the Residential Colleges Conversations online program, and I see joining the Committee as an extension of that opportunity to collaborate with great people and to give back.  

Thank you Amelia… it’s been wonderful getting to know you!