Meet Foundation Studies teacher Alicia Coram

Name

Dr Alicia Coram

What classes do you teach?

History of Ideas

What do you enjoy most about working at Trinity College?

My students and colleagues. I love being in a classroom, helping students think through interesting ideas.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Philosophy. I found every philosophy subject endlessly, mind-bendingly interesting. It makes you question some of your most fundamental assumptions about the world and yourself and see things differently. I enjoy philosophical discussions with students and am sometimes involved in running the Philosophy Club at Trinity.

What are your three favourite things about Melbourne?

Only three? Food, music and cultural diversity.

Melbourne has one of the best live music scenes in the world. You can see excellent music somewhere in Melbourne every day of the week.

Where I live there are some amazing restaurants and cafes – there is a real food community that was supported by the locals during Melbourne’s lockdown (I helped out by eating a lot of takeaway tapas).

There are also so many creative people from such diverse backgrounds in Melbourne, there is always something interesting going on.

What is your favourite place in Australia?

I grew up in Tasmania (lutruwita) under the shadow of Mt Wellington (kunanyi) and still feel a very strong connection to the island state. It has some stunning natural scenery and some very endearing wildlife. Look up ‘pademelon’ to see an outrageously cute animal that looks like an anime version of a kangaroo.

What would make the world a better place?

It is clear that equality and diversity are really important for the health of society. You can see the importance of equity in global issues like the pandemic and climate change – we have to care for people who are vulnerable, and think about who benefits and who doesn’t from the social systems we create.