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A Story of Friendship at Southern Cross Education

Thisali Devasurendra (HES1363)

When I arrived at Southern Cross Education in July 2023 for orientation, I came alone — physically and emotionally. I thought I’d be studying by myself for the next four years, with no familiar faces and no one to really share the journey with. I didn’t feel very motivated. It was just me, my books, and the quiet thought that maybe, just maybe, I’d find something — or someone — to make it all easier.

While lining up for our student ID photos, I heard two girls behind me speaking in Sinhala — the comforting sound of home. I turned around with a smile and asked, “Are you from Sri Lanka?” Their eyes lit up and they said, “Yes!” That was the beginning of a conversation that would change my life. We talked about where we lived in Sri Lanka, our ages, and slowly, the wall between strangers crumbled. Their names were Hishma(HES1294) and Suzette(HES1356).

Soon after, we met another bright soul — Mahimi, full of energy, joy, and positivity. She was also from Sri Lankan roots, and it felt like fate had brought the four of us together. From that very first day, we became inseparable. We didn’t just become friends — we became a family.

We learned together, struggled together, and grew together. In every classroom, every lecturer knew we’d want to be grouped as one. We’ve always worked best as a team, and we’ve always shined as one.

Each of them brings something special to our bond. Suzette is the mother of the group — she brings snacks, checks if we’ve eaten, and if we haven’t, she’ll say, “Buy a hot chocolate now!” She cares in the most genuine way. Hishma is the lovable mess — the clumsiest of us all, always dropping things, but making us laugh in the process. Mahimi is our TikTok queen and social butterfly — always ready for a fun video or a new trend, keeping us light even in stressful times. And me? I’m the calm in the chaos — the one who stands up when needed, comforts during arguments, and makes them laugh when the day feels too heavy.

We even have our own WhatsApp group — a space filled with silly memes, shared TikToks, last-minute assignment reminders, financial stress rants, and messages of love and support. When one of us isn’t in class, the empty chair is felt by all of us. That’s how connected we are.

Even though we’re all Sri Lankan, we come from different religions and backgrounds. But those differences have only brought us closer. We share cultural dishes, celebrate each other’s festivals, and send warm wishes across all beliefs.

And then came one of the most emotional milestones in my life — my engagement. My own family couldn’t attend, and there was an emptiness that I didn’t know how to fill. But right next to me, holding my hand, cheering me on, were Suzette, Hishma, and Mahimi. They stood by my side like sisters — my chosen family. Their presence didn’t just comfort me; it filled the gap that distance had left in my heart. I will never forget that.

At the end of every semester, we celebrate — lunch outside, games, and laughter to reward ourselves. We always plan a girls’ trip, but somehow, it never happens. Still, we all know that one day, when we finish our four years together, we will take that unforgettable trip to celebrate what we’ve built: a bond that feels like home.

Southern Cross Education didn’t just give me an education — it gave me something far more valuable: true friendship. The kind that surprises you, saves you, and shapes your journey in the most unexpected way.

We came as strangers.

We became friends.

And now, we are family.

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Abha (HES3140)

My first day at Southercross Institute was full of excitements and a bit of nervousness. Slowly I started to mingle up with my classmates, starting a journey of friendship.

Despite being from different cultural backgrounds, me and my friends share a common idea of creating beautiful memories together.

We laugh together, support each other and give the respect and space needed. I feel lovely to have friends like you: Jass, Alina, Rosie and Ankita

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After a small discussion in the class, where none of us planned to be friends while studying in Southern cross Institute. It just happened that way. From sharing food, passions, cultures, stories over endless laughs has immensely added flavour to our lives for which I shall be grateful forever. It's just real and beautiful.

love you guys... Faiza, Kritika, Gurpreet, Kanchan, Charan, Prachi

From Bhagya,

HES2879

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"Our friends were our family, our college gang was our therapy." College became extra exciting when we were around our friends. Happy Friendship day to my MSW friends.

By HES2652

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The friends I made at the institution were warm and welcoming, they were very helpful. We try to help eachother out by sorting things un biased among ourself. Our group is very diverse one. The understanding among us is quite incredible.🥰

Yogi

SAF00361

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🌏 Friendship Beyond Borders – A Day to Remember 💛

To me, friendship means connection, understanding, and belonging, no matter where we come from. It’s about being accepted for who you are and creating joyful memories together across cultures and languages. 🌐✨

One of the most beautiful moments in my college life was our dry picnic at the Botanical Garden. We all brought our national foods from home, shared our cultures, and spent the day laughing, eating, and bonding. 🍱🌿 It reminded me how food, like friendship, brings people together.

I’m truly grateful to have friends like Hiten, Babita, Sita, Neha, Aayush, Cynthia, and Ayush—and a special thanks to our supportive tutor Tim for being part of this amazing day. 💖 Your presence made it all even more special.

This experience showed me how strong and beautiful friendships can be when built on respect, kindness, and shared memories. 💬🌈

#FriendshipBeyondBorders #Gratitude #CulturalConnection #CollegeLife

Posted by HES1376

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Friendship for me means having people who understand and accept who you are, no matter your background ❤️✨🇵🇭

During my first week here, I was very shy because I was the only Filipino in the room and most of the students were Indian. I didn’t know how to start a conversation at first, but I decided to talk to a Chinese girl named Alina, and we instantly got along. Once we became close, we started connecting with our Indian classmates by simply smiling at them. Then Jazz started talking and made us laugh so much that it became easier to bond.

Aman Singh, my seatmate, even started teaching me Punjabi words every time we were in school! Now I can introduce myself and greet my friends in Punjabi, which they love.

I’m so grateful for friends like Alina, Jasbir, Abha, Ankita, Raj, Kevin, Shivani, Komal, Nitin, Aman Singh, Aman (girl), and so many more whose names I might forget to mention but who truly made my journey special.

And I still can’t believe we celebrated Jasbir’s birthday at an Indian restaurant it was so much fun! The food was amazing, and it was my first time dining at an Indian restaurant!! 🥳🍛✨

Your Filipino Friend,

Roseeyyy

HES3101

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While doing my internship with 0-2 years old, I had made very good little friend. His name is Nathan.

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Divided by different backgrounds United by Hearts

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Student ID HES1789

We all met in Southern Cross Education Institute - Higher Education in 2024. As living Abroad is very hard if you are alone but if you have friends we can achieve endless happiness and joy. We all share sadness and happiness together because in Australia these friends are like mini family who look after in any situation. We are very thankful to our SCEI college who give us the friends like this who are very supportive and caring. Lets celebrate our one year of strong friendship day. @ShivaniThakur @parmanpreetkaur @Komalpreetkaur @Manisha @Manpreetkaur @AnkitSinghRajput @Shivamsharma @Arshpreetkaur @KaramjeetKaur

#WECANCHOOSEFRIENDSBYOURSELVES

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Friendship beyond borders

We met in 2010 — two strangers in the heart of the UK, brought together by chance but bonded by something much deeper. Back then, the world felt smaller, time felt slower, and laughter came easier because we had each other. Those days were filled with late-night talks, endless cups of tea, and secrets only best friends can keep.

Then life happened — as it always does.

I moved to Australia. She flew to the USA. And just like that, miles turned into oceans, and time zones turned into barriers. Our conversations became rare, texts left unanswered not out of neglect, but because life got busy, loud, and sometimes heavy.

But here’s the thing about real friendship: it doesn’t need constant messages or daily updates. It survives silences. It remembers birthdays even when they aren’t posted on social media. It shows up in memories — in songs, scents, and random thoughts like, “I wonder what she’s up to today.”

Even now, when we barely talk, I still smile thinking about the old days. I miss you — the real kind of missing, not just nostalgia, but a quiet ache that says, “I wish we could pick up where we left off.” And I believe we always can.

So, on this International Friendship Day, this story is for us — for a friendship that crossed borders, outlasted distance, and still lives in both our hearts.

No matter where we are, no matter how far — you’ll always be my friend, then and now

STUDENT ID - HSE3023