Sophie McCredie

Little did I know that my next two college years would be riddled with Covid lockdowns, interstate border closures, and online uni. However, I can happily say that the tight knit Johns community made those years so much better. I loved that everyone was friends with everyone, and there was no difference between a first year and a third year. 

If I were to pick out some of my favourite memories, I’d have to say it was the formal dinners and events. Following Winnie’s Thursday night schnitty, OTB (out the back) would be filled with excitement as we prepared for the nights ahead that were academic dinners, the annual Johns Gala and Ball. Barn dance was always a favourite, as were the girls and boys nights. 

Casual RUC Tuesdays, and Badger and Moose Thursdays quickly became rituals. Every Friday morning college was buzzing with anticipation as we awoke to the latest updates on the J23 Facebook page, and the infamous ‘Rabservations’ was always a weekly highlight, revealing the newest “couples on the horizon” and “beef of the week.”

"What I loved most about Johns was the supportive community. Whether it was intercollege sport, trivia, choir, or IB, individual academic achievements, charity events, or blood donations, everyone supported one another".

As I near the end of my four-year degree and prepare to leave Canberra as I head overseas on exchange, I know I will always look back on my Canberra experience with extraordinary memories at Johns. 

It’s crazy to think that the new group of people I met in the Johns dino a year and a half ago are the same people I now have weekly sharehouse dinner parties with. 

I’m grateful to be leaving Canberra with lifelong friends, both in my own year group, and in the years below me. I owe a lot of my incredible Canberra experience to Johns, and all those who made my time so enjoyable.