SIBLING SUPPORT
when you’re a long way from home
Aquinne Wijewardene followed in older sister Saskia’s footsteps to Trinity’s Pathways School, and then Residential College. The duo, who are 18 months apart in age, grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and moved to Melbourne in 2020 and 2019 respectively. We talk to them about their journey and what it’s like to attend Trinity with a sibling.
How would you describe your upbringing in Colombo?
Saskia: We grew up in a bilingual household where we spoke both English and Sinhala. I’d say we come from a privileged background in that our parents worked really hard to ensure my brother and I received a good education and had the best opportunities possible. Our parents also made sure we didn’t forget our nationality, our culture, and the little things that make us Sri Lankan.
Aquinne: I agree that we have been very lucky in that sense, and we were also taught to care for other people and learnt the importance of doing charity and being compassionate.
Were you close growing up?
Saskia: We fought a lot … [laughs] … about literally anything. ‘I’m not touching you, you’re touching me’, ‘You’re still too close!’, ‘You’re eating too loud!’ – that kind of thing.
Aquinne: We fought a lot but that changed as we got older, and once we started living in Melbourne, we became a lot closer.
Saskia: Now we live less than two minutes away from each other on campus and I would 100 per cent say he’s my best friend … And I love how he hasn’t said anything back … [laughs]
Aquinne: No, we are. We definitely are.
Was studying overseas always part of the plan?
Saskia: Yes, always.
Why did you choose Melbourne?
Saskia: My parents didn’t want me going to the US and I didn’t want to go to the UK because it’s too cold. I actually applied for a liberal arts university in Abu Dhabi but was waitlisted, then I found out about a ‘fantastic foundation studies program in Melbourne’ from a guidance counsellor. I was told it would let me take foundation classes for one year while I decided what to study at uni, as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I’m so happy I ended up in Melbourne. Then he just followed as he saw how good I was having it.
Aquinne: I thought it would be convenient to have us both in one place and when I visited Melbourne to drop Saskia off in 2019, I knew it was a place I wanted to live. But, really, after leaving school, everything’s been guided by Saskia. She’s like my guidance counsellor, she’s everything to me.
Saskia, what was it like knowing Aquinne was studying at the Pathways School while you were living in the Residential College?
Saskia: Well, we were in lockdown for a long time and Aquinne lived in the city, so he would cycle up to the gate and bring me snacks, as nobody was allowed on campus. Once the lockdowns eased we would go and see each other, and now we make sure to go for coffee at least once a week to catch up.
Aquinne, how much did you know about the Residential College before you joined?
Aquinne: Because we were in lockdown, nearly everything I knew about the Residential College was from Saskia. I sort of went in blind. She said to apply, so I did, and here we are.
What has it been like having each other close given the current economic and humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka?
Aquinne: It gives both us and our parents a bit of relief, knowing that we’re safe and well in Australia. Though you do feel a bit guilty because you’re here, halfway across the world, and have all the privileges, whereas in Sri Lanka at the moment, they don’t have fuel, they don’t have electricity. We have both been to visit but then we can come back to our airconditioning and nice food.
Saskia: I agree with that sentiment. I felt really guilty watching the protests and hearing that my parents were lining up overnight just to fill up on fuel. But, for our parents, they now know that everything they worked for, everything they did to ensure we had the opportunities to have a good life, have paid off.
Is there anything that has surprised you about each other since being in College?
Saskia: He’s a very strong debater. I hadn’t realised this.
Aquinne: She’s a bit quieter than I imagined, because, growing up, she always had to have the last word. I remember on our drives home from school, she used to talk and talk, and I used to just sit and look out the window because I couldn’t get a word in.
Saskia: I have the potential to keep my mouth shut. Who knew?
What’s the best thing about having a sibling at College?
Saskia: Often when you have a sibling at College, you know that they’re always going to be there for you, especially if, like us, you’ve travelled across oceans and are far away from family. It’s nice to have each other.
Aquinne: Being the good brother that I am, I’ll let her have the last word.
Walking the road to success
Three young men who met during O-Week in 2007 could never have foreseen that one day they would own a video production company together.
CONTENTS
TIMELINE
FROM THEN TO NOW
This is how Trinity College's story has unfolded.
COLLEGE NEWS
NEWS
A snapshot of 2022....and what a special year it was.
OBITS
We are saddened to acknowledge the passing of Trinity alumni and friends during 2022.
ART AND CULTURE
TRINITY UP IN LIGHTS
Trinitarians have been taking to the stage since the late 19th century. We look at the trajectory of Trinity's performing arts scene.
We explore how Trinity came to hold such a diverse and impressive art collection.
DR CALVIN BOWMAN
Meet Calvin, an Oakleaf Awardee.
SPORT
The rivalry between Trinity and Ormond can be traced right back to the beginning.
TIGER WOO!
It doesn't matter if you're a champion athlete or the type who works out rules on the fly, there's a place for everyone on the Trinity team.
GILLON MCLACHLAN
Meet Gillon, an Oakleaf Awardee.
LEADERSHIP
MERCURY RISING
Andrew Prentice shares his journey to become one of the world's leading experts on the formation of the solar system.
ON BEING 'EDUCATION PEOPLE'
Dr Denis White served as Executive Director of Trinity College's Foundation Studies during the program's foundational years and his leadership played an integral role in setting our Pathways School up for success.
TAKING A HOLISTIC VIEW
From its earliest days, Trinity College has aimed to offer students a well-rounded education. Warden and CEO Ken Hinchcliff (TC 1976) explains what this means and the impact it has on our future leaders.
JEROME CUBILLO
Meet Jerome, an Oakleaf Awardee.
FAITH
EXPRESSING ANGLICAN IDENTITY
The Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Revd Dr Philip Freier, reflects on the history of the Trinity College Theological School.
A MATTER OF FAITH
We look at the influence of chaplaincy and religious worship throughout Trinity's history.
THE REVEREND JENNY INGLIS
Meet Jenny, an Oakleaf Awardee.
FASHION
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