Living on the EDGE: Remya Ramesh

INTERNATIONAL students are a talented bunch alright. Just look at Remya Ramesh. She’s smart, has a heart for voluntary work, is passionate about social justice, and rocks the dance floor. What more could you ask for?

What’s your name, and how old are you?

My name is Remya Ramesh Chithra, and I’m 26.

Where are you from? Where and what course or program are you doing?

I’m from Kerala, India.  Recently graduated with a Masters degree in Computer Science, with an emphasis on Security in Computing from RMIT University.

How long have you been in Melbourne for and why did you choose to come to Melbourne? Did you come alone or with family?

I came to Melbourne in Feb 2010 to do my postgraduate degree. Melbourne was my first choice, because of reputed universities, people, socio-cultural history, arts, music and sports.

What got you into the EDGE program? And what are you expecting to get from the program?

I have been volunteering with different student groups and NGO’s since my school days. With those experiences, I applied for the EDGE program. I want to utilize my personal and professional skills and my ever evolving leadership skills to construct new schemes for the people in my community and my career field. I hope the EDGE program will help me to refine my leadership skills, boost my confidence and support my non-stop effort to become a good leader.

What does leadership mean to you?

I believe leadership is the rare ability to inspire oneself and also every member in a team. Good leadership quality should be continuously developed through experiences, self learning, team work and training.

What or who do you draw inspiration from, and why?

I draw inspiration from Mother Theresa and Bill Gates.

If you could champion one cause for international students in Melbourne, what would it be?

International students also deserve public transport concession.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love reading books, enjoy crocheting, listening to music and sometimes photography experiments.

Where is your favourite spot to hang out in Melbourne?

I love spending time with friends on the grassy lawn of State Library of Victoria.

What song gets you pumped or excited? Think Eye of the Tiger or Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” or any Bon Jovi track.

Definitely Bon Jovi Track –

“It’s my life,

It’s now or never,

I ain’t gonna live forever,

I just want to live while I’m alive!” ~ It’s my life [Bon Jovi]

If I had a million dollars I would… set up an anti-trafficking organisation to prevent women and children from entering prostitution, which is the worst form of sexual slavery.

If I only had $5 I would… save up.

Remya is part of the City of Melbourne’s EDGE leadership program, and is a prized member of the award-winning dance group PoisE’n Bollypop.