A High Schooler’s Glimpse into University Life
For as long as she can remember, words have fascinated Year 10 student Raphi (Raphaela Pearl Walters). A lifelong reader with a love for language, she had never quite imagined stepping into the world of university research—until a social connection led her to a work experience placement at ANU.
Through an acquaintance, Raphi found herself learning from Dr. Danielle Barth, a professor of linguistics at the ANU School of Culture, History & Language (CHL) . Over the course of a week, she got an insider’s view of academic life—exploring language documentation, attending fascinating lectures, and immersing herself in the ANU community.
“Doing this work experience program at CHL was amazing,” she said. “I learnt so much from Dr. Danielle Barth about how a university works, administration, research, and managing projects. I now look forward to coming to ANU as a student to learn more about linguistics.”
The experience is mutually enriching, as Dr Danielle Barth also explains. “It has been a wonderful experience to guide Raphi, because it has also broadened my horizons from a student’s perspective at a university. We welcome more such rewarding opportunities to host school students looking for first-hand experiences to work here!”
One of her favourite experiences? A lecture on the Fijian drink kava, where students took part in a practice ceremony—except in this version, kava was replaced with apple juice. “I had so much fun being the mixer,” she recalled. “This was cultural knowledge I never would have learned about if not for Danielle and this hands-on experience.”
When she wasn’t attending classes, she enjoyed walking through the sunlit grounds, reading in quiet corners, and even browsing the classics museum. The experience only deepened her love for language and history.
This experience has given her a glimpse of what’s possible. Raphi now hopes to return to ANU as a student, ready to dive deeper into the world of linguistics and beyond. Until then, she’ll keep exploring language, history, and new adventures—both on horseback and in the classroom.