Student Spotlight: Clare Presser, International Library & Archives Intern
I have travelled from distance lands, namely Melbourne, Australia. In October of 2016, I completed a Master in Information Studies via Distance Education with Charles Sturt University, but I do not have a professional background in Libraries. I have spent most of my time working in the arts sectors in broadcasting, events management and booking/curation (I am also on hiatus from my community radio show on specialist music station). Coming to Longwood may seem a little left of field, but I have a huge interest in sustainability and grew up in a family that has small organic farms, generally keeps bees and sometimes orchids.
What is your favorite plant?
There is usually one favourite plant in each of the houses I lived in. The first thing that springs to mind is the huge Daphne plant near the front door of the house I grew up in that smelt amazing. In each of my shared houses, respectively, there was an old fig tree, grape vines (homemade wine is a hilarious process) and a thick, gnarled passionfruit vine. In my current Melbourne home there are some Mexican love vines that were a house warming gift that have turned into something a little bit epic (and I barely do anything to them- the best sort of plant), but I also like the native grevillea I planted out the front (the local council were giving out free plants that would assist the native ecosystem of the area). I have tried to avoid buying plants in America as I cannot take them home to Australia....yet I have since fallen in love with a Dendrobium orchid, lovingly named Denny, that I bought at a Longwood Plant Sale.
My favorite orchid ‘Denny’ in all of his glory.
What is your favorite Garden? What is your favorite part of Longwood?
This is a pretty hard question- most gardens are pretty lovely. I am less of a fan of the formalized garden, unless it is useful. There is a Modern Art Museum in Melbourne called Heide, which was the property founded by John and Sunday Reed and home to artists, such as Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker and Joy Hester. The grounds are sprawling, with sculptures nestled into paddocks and natural spaces, but the place that I love the most, is the house’s kitchen garden (which is just next door to the picnic area). It’s well maintained, companion planted and smells amazing.
For that reason I get a little extra pleasure from the Idea Garden in Longwood and, its own (limited) produce section- the fruit trees etc. It’s also a little less crowded than the Flower Garden Walk. The Meadow is also resplendent currently, so that’s a pretty tough pick.
What is the best part of being a student?
I like to learn new things- keeps the brain sharp. I am informed that this is a good thing, but the jury may still be out on this one. Thus far, it’s the only student experience that I have had which doesn’t have homework, which is vastly superior. One of the more excellent things about being a student at Longwood is the scavenging possibilities. I am currently snacking on roasted chestnuts, harvested from the trees out the front of the student housing. Free is always more delicious.
I bake often and made Eyeball Cake Pops for the staff Halloween Baking Contest. There were many free delicious treats and I won for “Best Halloween Presentation.”
What is your background in horticulture (or whatever field you are in)?
I have a background in neither horticulture, nor library work. I am here so that I can cease to be a hobbyist in either (although becoming a ‘full-blown’ librarian is more likely than a horticulturalist. Although killing fewer plants in the process of gardening is a personal goal).
Why did you want to come to Longwood and what do you think helped you get the position?
The adventure- it’s such a unique opportunity and experience. I get to practice my theoretical skills from my studies in an environment which is supportive. Specialist and unique collections, like the ones here, which spans the academic and archival, are pretty hard to come by, let alone work in. Also, experiencing a new country is not something I have done in a little while and Longwood, to put it simply, is quite stunning. Who wouldn’t want to come and live in this little slice of paradise for a little while (please note- views may change in the winter).
What do you do at work? Highlight your favorite project or what you do day-to-day.
I create order out of chaos. It’s a magical and mystical world of lists, which involved secret codes and strange rituals. There are old and musty tombs and mysterious objects that require dissemination. We answer questions-shine light into the unknown (and possibly haunted) places and provide you with things that you never knew you wanted (yet). We are magicians and truth warriors**.
**Which roughly translates into putting books on shelves and typing stuff into a computer. Occasionally I get to drive a golf cart.
What are your future plans or what is your intended career path?
It’s a career goal to work at the National Film and Sound Archive, as used to be an AV technician/editor for a national broadcaster. I really enjoy working in digital environments (information architecture is kind of fun), but I am hoping that these 9 months are going to be formative in regards to my future career path.
My first real snow experience...apparently I live in Narnia now.
My wreath that I created during our Christmas student activity.
Article by Clare Presser.
Photos by Morgan Horell, Clare Presser, and Gillian Hayward.
