Tuckwell Scholar Zoe Paul on Finding Her Home at Johns

For many students, receiving a Tuckwell Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity, opening the door to study at the Australian National University through one of Australia’s most prestigious undergraduate programs. But while the scholarship creates extraordinary academic and leadership opportunities, choosing where to live can play an equally important role in shaping the university experience.

For Zoe Paul, John XXIII College became more than just accommodation. It became a home, a support network, and a vibrant community that complemented everything the Tuckwell Scholarship offered. From forming lifelong friendships during O-Week to embracing leadership opportunities within the College, Zoe’s experience highlights how Johns provides students with the ideal balance of academic focus, personal growth, and unforgettable community life.

In this Q&A, Zoe shares how the Tuckwell Scholarship led her to ANU, why she chose Johns, and how College life has helped define her journey.

What drew you to study at the Australian National University, and how did the Tuckwell Scholarship shape that decision?

Being lucky enough to receive the Tuckwell Scholarship made me seriously consider studying at the ANU for the first time, and I only became more excited with the idea the more I thought and researched about it. I always loved the idea of going to university and college interstate, and the courses offered by ANU sounded engaging and exciting to me.  

Why did you choose to live at John XXIII College, and what stood out to you about the community?

I chose to live at John XXIII College based on reviews from past and current residents that I knew and got in touch with. Without much knowledge about the various colleges and residence halls at the ANU, anecdotes were invaluable to me in deciding where I wanted to go. The ‘work hard, play hard’ lifestyle of Johns really appealed to me, as I’ve always loved socialising and events, particularly alongside a group of motivated and dedicated people who not only become your friends, but your study companions, colleagues, and team mates.

How has your experience at John XXIII College influenced your transition to university life?

Having the Johns community made the transition to university super exciting and collaborative. Meeting hundreds of new people was daunting, but with everyone in the same boat, each challenge thrown at us by university or moving interstate was able to be dealt with together, only strengthening the friendships I had started to make. Immediately in O Week, I formed friends that I would now consider my closest mates, and each week I become closer with another resident. College is absolutely one of the easiest ways to find a close-knit, genuine community, and by choosing the right college, you can immediately find like-minded people that are keen to make new friendships, and get involved in college and university life.

The Tuckwell Scholarship emphasises leadership and service, how has that translated into your involvement within the College?

The Tuckwell Scholarship values active engagement, leadership and good character, all qualities which I hope to display within both formal leadership at college, and also simply by living and acting by my values as I go about my daily life. 

How has John XXIII College opened up leadership opportunities for you, and how have you responded to them?

I am always keen to serve any community that I feel passionate about, and my love for the College made applying for leadership in the Student Representative Council a natural progression after the first year of college. I was particularly drawn to the position as it offers the opportunity to deliver feedback to the College on behalf of the residents. The SRC’s goal is to deliver the college residents the same quality of experience that we’ve all had through advocacy for various groups, and this is something I’m super passionate about. The natural dynamic of college also offers up plenty of opportunities to lead casually, and I always try my best to step up to these moments and be a good mentor and role model to other ressies. 

How do you balance the opportunities and expectations of being a Tuckwell Scholar with College life?

The Tuckwell community is a great supplement to life at Johns, providing a second community and little family. I have many valued friendships from the scholarship, and it offers some amazing experiences such as an Academic Dinner, camp and commencement at the beginning of the year, and networking opportunities. On campus, there is also a Tuckwell House, which can be an amazing place to go study, take a break from College life, or simply relax. Tuckwell also offers reimbursement for exercise, which supports me in being physically active, as well as a mentor program with various university staff. I ultimately think that Tuckwell is an amazing second family at the ANU, and alongside my college community, opens the door to new friendships, mentorship, and opportunities around university that you might not find at college. 

What impact do you hope to leave at John XXIII College during your time here?

I hope that I’m remembered as someone who was active around college, who was friendly and smiley in the corridors and always getting involved. I hope that the SRC initiatives can continue to improve the already amazing culture we have at the College, and that this creates a lasting positive impact on the residents. I hope that I’m a part of people’s positive memories in the JCR, on the sporting field, at college events, and at meals in the Dino.