From crisis to connection. How Jinbo, an international student, turned personal hardship into a reason to give back through volunteering and placement.
When life throws you into a crisis, it’s easy to feel like the ground beneath you has disappeared. For me, that moment came when I was far from home, studying at Flinders University, and received news that changed everything.
🏠 When Family Comes First
One day, I found myself facing a deeply personal emergency: both my father and grandfather were hospitalised. My grandfather’s heart condition had worsened, and his heart function was failing. At the same time, my father, exhausted from the physical and emotional burden of caring for him, suffered a heart attack and developed lung complications.
Suddenly, I was being asked to return to China to support my family. My mind was full of questions and fears: How would this affect my studies? Could I pause my enrolment? What steps should I take? I felt overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of where to start.
🌍 Finding Support at ISS
In that moment of uncertainty, I decided to visit International Student Services (ISS). It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The staff welcomed me with understanding and patience. They listened carefully to my situation and immediately scheduled a one-on-one appointment for the next day. During that meeting, two student advisors walked me through every step of how to apply for a study pause, explained how the process worked, and most importantly, offered me comfort and reassurance.
Their compassion helped me breathe again. In a time when everything felt uncertain, ISS provided clarity, guidance, and emotional support. It wasn’t just about policies and paperwork. It was about being seen, heard, and supported when I needed it most.
🔁 From Seeking Help to Giving Help
Time flies. One semester after, my situation had changed in an unexpected way. As part of my social work placement, I returned to ISS, not as a student seeking help, but as a triage desk staff member during O’Week.
This experience was profoundly meaningful. I now had the opportunity to support other students — some of whom were facing the same confusion, fear, or loneliness that I had once felt. Because of my own journey, I understood the importance of empathy, active listening, and patience. I knew that sometimes, even a few kind words and clear information could make a world of difference.
Working with ISS during O’Week became more than a placement task. It felt like closing the circle — turning a moment of vulnerability into an opportunity to give back. It also gave me a stronger sense of purpose as a student social worker and showed me how meaningful community contribution can grow out of personal experience.
🌱 Why This Experience Matters
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realised a few important lessons:
- Support services are more than practical help — they are emotional lifelines. It’s not just about forms or applications; it’s about knowing someone cares and is ready to walk alongside with you.
- Empathy builds stronger communities. Having once been supported, I feel deeply committed to offering that same support to others.
- Being part of the solution feels empowering. Working at ISS showed me that we all have the capacity to contribute to a more caring and inclusive campus.
💬 Closing Thoughts
Today, I feel incredibly grateful, not only for the support ISS gave me during one of the hardest times of my life, but also for the chance to give something back. My experience has shown me how compassion, understanding, and community can transform a crisis into an opportunity for growth.
I consider myself lucky to have walked both sides of the journey: from being a student in need of help to becoming someone who can offer it. And I hope my story reminds others that help is always available, and that one day, you too might become part of the support network that makes Flinders a welcoming, inclusive, and resilient community.
👤 About the author:
Jinbo Tao is a Master of Social Work student at Flinders University. As part of his placement, he has been working with the International Student Services (ISS) team and contributing to the BetterU News Team. Jinbo is passionate about building inclusive communities and supporting the wellbeing of fellow students, drawing on his own experiences as an international student navigating life in Australia.