History, Passion, and a University Medal
When Sam started at ANU, she knew she had a passion for history, but she wasn’t sure where it would take her. Throughout her studies, she was drawn to a wide range of historical narratives. However, it was a Year 12 teacher’s introduction to the Han Dynasty of China that sparked her interest in the rich, diverse history of the Asia-Pacific region. From that moment, Sam was hooked on exploring histories outside the traditional Western framework.
“I was intrigued. When the time came to apply for university, an entire academic college dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region made ANU my first choice.”
Fast forward to today, and Sam is about to graduate with a University Medal—the pinnacle of academic achievement. Her path through the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the School of Culture, History, and Language (CHL) was anything but straightforward, but it’s been a thrilling ride.
Sam’s early years at ANU were marked by a wide and sometimes overwhelming exploration of multiple subjects—imperial Chinese history, Pacific linguistics, literary Chinese. “At first, it was a bit of a whirlwind, but as I delved deeper into each area, I found my way,” she recalls.
By her final year, Sam had found her academic focus. As part of the research-based PhB degree, she had the opportunity to design and complete several independent research projects. “That was the highlight of my time at ANU,” she says. “The chance to work closely with brilliant, passionate academics who were so generous with their time and knowledge was incredibly rewarding.” Her Honours thesis, which explored the role of oral traditions in Pohnpei, Micronesia, was where everything truly clicked for Sam.
It’s no surprise that Sam’s deep dive into oral traditions and the ways people engage with the past and future earned her the University Medal. But she’s quick to point out that the recognition is just as much about the incredible mentors and peers who supported her along the way. “I’ve been surrounded by some amazing people at ANU,” she says. “The quality of teaching, the inspiration from my peers—it all helped me get here.”
And while a year off to recharge is on the horizon, Sam isn’t done with academia just yet. She intends to take the PhD route to delve even deeper and re-immerse herself in "questions of past and future dynamics and how people make the two fit together.
So, what’s next for the University Medal winner? For now, Sam is taking a breather, but it won’t be long before she’s back in the research game. And when she’s not working on her next big academic adventure, you’ll find her reading everything from novels to sharp political commentary. “Books are my escape. I’m always reading something new,” she shares. You’ll probably find her at the next ANU Meet the Author event, lurking with a good book in hand!
Sam’s story is a reminder that the journey to success isn’t always linear, but it’s always worth it. Whether exploring ancient dynasties or diving into the rich oral traditions of the Pacific, Sam has proved that curiosity, hard work, and passion for learning can take you anywhere.
