Q&A with Ethan Hancock: Starting Late, Leading Early.

We sat down with Ethan, a UWA engineering student who didn’t move into St Cat’s until later in his degree. He shares how finding College life mid-way through uni changed everything, from his social circle to his professional future.

You didn’t come to St Cat’s straight from school. What made you take the leap into College life later in your uni journey?

Before moving into St Cat’s, I’d already spent a decent chunk of time at uni, commuting from far away, juggling a demanding course, internships and campus involvement. My routine was tightly wound: wake up early to beat traffic, try to make the most of the day, then play sports at night and get home exhausted. It worked, but it wasn’t sustainable.

What changed? I started getting more involved with Bloom, a centre for youth innovation which is powered by St Cat’s. I’d spend time around College students without even living here, and I noticed the strong community that had been built. Whether it was seeing them all show up dressed as purple minions for PROSH (UWA’s annual satirical newspaper and charity fundraiser) when I was secretary that year or watching them go crazy at Inter-College (IC) Sports finals, the St Cat’s culture stood out. Eventually, I took the leap and moved in.

Can you take us back to your first week at St Cat’s? Was there a moment when you felt a real sense of belonging?

Coming in later than most, I wasn’t sure what to expect. College life has a huge social side, and starting as a “fresher” again was a little daunting. But honestly, that faded quickly. From the very first Welcome Dinner, I felt at ease. It was comforting to look around and realise we were all just figuring it out, and the RAs here made the transition seamless. Friends from Bloom helped me feel like I belonged before I even finished unpacking.

Before moving in, what were you hoping to find in a college experience?

Since moving in, I’ve found so many ways to get involved. IC sports trials, even if you don’t make the final team, are a load of fun. The quiz nights, Secret Friends Week and upcoming Faculty & Industry (F&I) Dinners give you endless ways to connect.

I’ve even been given the opportunity to MC at one of the F&I Dinners, something I’m looking forward to. The way St Cat’s encourages involvement feels effortless. As someone who eventually wants to manage teams as an engineer, I know these experiences are helping me build skills I’ll carry into the workplace.

You’ve already taken on leadership roles across UWA. What drives you to get involved?

I’ve always been someone who enjoys being part of a team working towards something bigger, whether that’s in a club, on campus or in industry.

I really started to understand that at Birdon, a marine engineering company, where I began as an intern in project controls engineering. That experience helped me realise how much I enjoy solving complex problems as part of a team, and how important communication, trust and a shared purpose are.

Since moving into St Cat’s, I’ve found those same dynamics in day-to-day College life. Whether it's IC sports trials, helping with events or just being part of a close-knit corridor, I've been able to contribute in ways that feel natural and meaningful. I’m someone who likes to say “yes”, get involved and help. It’s something I hope to keep bringing to the community here.

Staying active and social seems important to you. What’s your go-to way to reset or recharge during a busy week?

I love unwinding in communal spaces, even just sitting around after dinner in the Dining Hall or bumping into someone in the corridor can be a great reset. Dinner’s probably the highlight of the day for me. It’s where you catch up, meet someone new or just take a breath before jumping back into everything else. That time to slow down, connect and laugh a bit goes a long way during a full-on week.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about joining St Cat’s but isn’t sure if they’d fit in, especially if they’re already a few years into uni?

I’d say it’s never too late to find your place. I’d already settled into uni life, with routines and involvement on campus. I knew what I was doing, but moving into St Cat’s brought everything together in a way I didn’t expect. It added connection, energy and structure to parts of my life that were just ticking along before.

If you’re thinking about it but you’re unsure, just know that it doesn’t matter what year you’re in or where you’re starting from, this place meets you where you are. For me, it became a home away from home.

Book a tour to start your St Cat’s journey.

Ethan Hancock is currently Executive Advisor (IPP) at EEEWA, Vice-President & Partnerships Director at Bloom and an Executive Member at Sober.