Students say thank you to donors

Zahra (BSc ’19), UNSW ASPIRE Ambassador

Meet Zahra, a student volunteer for ASPIRE - UNSW’s award-winning educational outreach program. Through ASPIRE, Zahra is able to help grow the academic ability and aspirations of students with little to no exposure to university, and help them to see higher education as a very real option for them.

“Knowing about university shouldn't be a privilege, and many students rarely leave their community so their life experience is very limited. ASPIRE opens up a world of possibilities for them,” she said. “Your support will ensure that we can continue encouraging young people to achieve their goals.”

Volunteering with ASPIRE has been extremely rewarding for Zahra. She wants donors to know the true impact of their generosity, having seen firsthand how many young minds have flourished with its impact, transforming personal and professional trajectories, and breaking cycles of disadvantage.

“I want to say thank you, so much, for supporting the program that has helped so many, and for the opportunity to share my story. It truly means a lot,” she said. “A donation towards ASPIRE is a long-term investment in Australia's future, so the impact of your support can last a lifetime.”

“Thank you for your support, the impact of which can last a lifetime.”

“I just want to say - thank you so, so much”

Jayden (BSRP ’20), Nura Gili Ambassador

Meet Jayden, currently in his second year studying with UNSW Arts & Social Sciences. Jayden also loves playing rugby, and volunteering as an ambassador for Nura Gili, UNSW’s dedicated Indigenous Programs Unit.

In 2018, Jayden was one of 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who participated in Nura Gili’s Indigenous Winter School Program. Jayden said his experience was so positive that he returned to the program this year as a supervisor, and hopes to continue volunteering with the program to support the next generation of Indigenous students.

“Nura Gili was a huge part of my decision to come to UNSW. Without it, I'd be so lost, honestly. Not even just in an educational sense, but in all the extra things that go with being an Indigenous student” said Jayden. “It’s like an extended family. Somewhere you can turn up and it's like you’re at home.

“I just want to say thank you so, so much for what you’ve helped to create. It really does impact our lives. Without it, a lot of us genuinely would not be here. So thank you and please keep on supporting it.”

Karie (LLB ’23), Equity Scholarship recipient

Meet Karie, second-year student at UNSW Law, and recipient of the President and Vice-Chancellor’s (PVC) Equity Scholarship. Karie is one of a handful of students granted this scholarship opportunity each year, with funding generously provided by UNSW alumni donors through the UNSW Impact Appeal.

This scholarship changes lives by supporting students experiencing disadvantage, including low socioeconomic status, rural and regional students. It enables them to access higher education, helps them to thrive at university, and pursue their career of choice. Scholarships are a truly meaningful way to elevate passionate students like Karie, so that they can, in time, elevate all of us.

With big plans to use her degree to influence refugee policy, Karie is well on her way to success. To all those who contributed towards her scholarship, She expressed her sincere gratitude, on behalf of all scholarship recipients past, present and future.

“It's hard to understand the impact you can have on people when you donate, because it is so personal. It's money that we need, and that we appreciate so much,” she said.

“Thank you. Thank you for being so generous, and believing that we can do it, even though we might not be from a privileged background. Thank you for having faith that we can get through.”

“The biggest thank you - not just from me, but from my family as well.”