UQSPIA CLASS OF 2017 ALUM
Timothy Harm - Samoan/Chinese
Bachelor of Business Management, majoring in Advertising
"To be brave in the face of diversity is to sin against mediocrity. Possessing traits that are unfamiliar to the social model of stigma is a challenge that I was yet to accept throughout my years of primary, secondary and tertiary education. These challenges were only made visible as I grew older to explore and understand that my identity as a mixed ‘afakasi’ Pacific Islander was non-conventional to this model. Being raised in a different socio-economic environment to most Pacific Islanders- both stereotype and stigma was an image subliminally presented in the predominately ‘white’ classroom. I felt pressurised to work just as hard in order to prove my intelligence and creativity. At the arrival of attending University, I came to the realisation that I did not need such validation to determine my intelligence or success as a means of conforming to Western standards. It was about reclaiming my identity as a Pacific Islander and acknowledging my intelligence without a stamp of approval. In my opinion, the notion of succeeding without validation is about instilling self-worth and truly understanding your value and worth beyond expectations. Although earning a degree emulates this idea in the slightest of ways- the grind and persistence to achieve one is a journey that Pacific Islanders should proudly acknowledge and claim without validation.
Over the four years since its establishment, the members of UQSPIA have gradually shifted the conversation of what it means to be a Pacific Islander outside of the social norms. These themes are imprinted upon the existence and presence of UQSPIA, emphasising the crucial importance of cultural preservation. As a creative individual, UQSPIA has provided me with a platform to extensively build my creative networks and portfolio. This degree is an investment and strategic vessel that I intend to utilise within a wide range of creative projects that support and embrace people of colour. My degree is a tribute to the many unique members of UQSPIA whose family-orientated support and positive influence have become an instrumental force to my achievements at The University of Queensland."
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