2019 Study Sunshine Coast Student Ambassador, Kalvin Mitchell is studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries (creative writing and publishing) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). He is loving the course and the opportunity it provides to indulge in creativity and to learn how to craft a really good story.
“Before I started studying, I tried to write a novel and it was awful, so I decided to get an education!” says Kalvin.
Creative Industries is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic and diverse employment sectors. The USC program allows students to tailor their studies to suit their interests and talents, providing them with a range of skills and employment choices in the expanding creative industries sector and beyond. They also gain practical experience and develop their network of professional contacts. Once qualified graduates are equipped with strong creative and technical skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a professional portfolio to showcase their talents to prospective employers.
Kalvin says that the Creative Industries course attracts many interesting people and that he believes the area’s natural environment is a huge drawcard for artistic types. “The relaxing lifestyle is very conducive to creativity,” he says.
“I have a deep connection with the rainforest on the Sunshine Coast,” says Kalvin. “I grew up here and being in the forest is immensely soothing for me. In fact, I actually climb trees for exercise. It’s much more fun than playing sport,” says Kalvin.
Kalvin has also taken part in an exchange with Elon University in North Carolina. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but it also gave him an appreciation of how incredible the lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast is and he was very happy to get back to his beloved rainforest!
In his spare time Kalvin enjoys going on long solo hikes and has recently completed the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The 58.8km walk traverses the Blackall Range and features stunning subtropical rainforest as well as tall open eucalypt forest. It is a four day walk with bush camp sites to stop in at night.
Kalvin was volunteering as a support person to international students when he learned about the Student Ambassador Program. He was enjoying sharing the Sunshine Coast with overseas students and thought it would be fun to get involved. Part of the role involves promoting the region on social media.
“I didn’t even know what a hashtag was, so it’s been great to learn some new skills too!” says Kalvin.
“And of course, ziplining through the trees at the Tree Top Challenge has been a major highlight for me. I can’t wait to see what we get to do next.”
Kalvin also has a keen hobby interest in photography – and his favourite colour is green (like the trees)!