im sick of not being able to talk to a real person when trying to contact the US embassy, so im going to see if anyone knows the answer to my question here. Im in DESPERATE need for an answer.

Im an Australian citizen, ive been studying in the U.S on the J1 student visa. This visa allows me to stay 30 days after my visa expires. My visa expired on dec 31st 2008. I am currently travelling around the states legally with the 30 day allowance period.
I wish to travel to London during this time, And i would be returning before this 30 day period is up.
My question is, will i be allowed to re enter the U.S. As an Australian citizen i am apart of the visa waiver program, which allows me to stay in the staes for a three month period without applying for a visa.
I have been told i wont be able to re enter the states without a visa, does this visa waiver thing count as one? I will be leaving the states to return to australia within this 30 day period also. because Im on a student visa, does this prevent me for leaving or re entering the u.s?
HELP!