Category: Growth Edition

Growth Edition

How Helpful is Self-Help

Words by: Olivia Conder
Art by: Angela Jessica

We’ve all been there, standing in the self-help section of a bookstore, wondering if these books actually work or if they’re just another marketing gimmick. With topics ranging from finance and relationships to self-love and the meaning of life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

It’s a question that we all want to know the answer to.

Do self-help books lead to real growth, or are they simply a waste of money?

… How Helpful is Self-Help
Growth Edition Uncategorized

Growing Through It

Words by: Anna Bearsley 
Interviewee: Aoife Bearsley - Educational and Developmental Registrar 
Art by: Tsambika Kozirakis

Growing up is rarely a straight path. It twists, turns, doubles back on itself, and sometimes leads to places we never expected.

Aoife Bearsley, an Educational and Developmental Registrar, has spent her life helping young people navigate these challenges. Her own journey has been just as full of lessons — about love, resilience, and the ever-changing meaning of growth. Here, she reflects on the milestones, missteps, and moments that have shaped her into who she is today.

… Growing Through It
Growth Edition

Hand in Hand

Words by: Alyssa Sandler
Art by: Alyssa Sandler

I don’t remember the exact moment I met Hannah, but I know she has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Our friendship wasn’t born out of a single, defining moment. Rather, it was woven into the fabric of our lives — so seamlessly and naturally, I can’t imagine a time without her thread.

She’s the person who has seen me at my best and my worst, who has laughed with me until we cried, and who has stood by me through every awkward, messy, and magical moment of growing up.

… Hand in Hand
Growth Edition

Growing Up and Away

Words by: Esbe
Art by: Gizelle Sakr

As I stuffed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase and pushed the lid down, my heart felt as heavy as the 40 kilograms of luggage I was now carrying with weak wrists. 

As I walked out the door and left behind intimate faces and the ever-so-familiar scent of my grandma’s freshly made mango pickle, I had no idea what to expect. 

… Growing Up and Away
Growth Edition

Over Growth

Words by: Samuel White 
Art by: Luca MacIsaac

There are benefits to the world of self-growth; healthy meals and organised lives can definitely help clear up problems. We may feel capable of being perfectly effective in whatever we set our minds to, and that by conquering ourselves, we can conquer the world. But do we actually understand what we are buying into?

… Over Growth
Growth Edition

You Know You’re an Adult When: You Reset With Cleaning

Words by: Salma Syafathia
Art by: Jasper Kidman

When I was younger, my mom would constantly give me lectures about cleaning. From tidying up my room to taking out the trash, it felt like I could never catch a break.

As a kid, I would get annoyed at her and, ironically, procrastinate by watching people on social media complete their cleaning, rather than doing my own. It was confusing to see how it could be so relaxing for some when to me it was such a bore. 

… You Know You’re an Adult When: You Reset With Cleaning
Growth Edition

Coffee or Tea?

Words by: Alina Ivanova
Art by: Tessa Cameron

As with any uncertain and overthinking teenager, I knew that if I wanted to know something about myself, I’d self-ruminate to the point that my brain was stewing.

I would ponder on beaches and breathe in sea salt air and boat fumes, thinking about a certain thought. Yet I didn’t go outside at all when that daunting, orienting question jump-scares me.

… Coffee or Tea?
Growth Edition

Plant to Pot

Words by: Molly
Art by: Pipi Joannou

From the infamous alleyways to the cosy cafes and bars we love, Melbourne is known for its small places.

For some of us, our homes are the same. So, when it comes to brightening up our balconies, tiny backyards, or wanting to make the switch to sustainable living, gardens are the way to go.

… Plant to Pot