A Curtin University student with a passion for politics is one of five young Australians chosen to receive a Global Voices National Scholarship, which will include attending the Y20 Youth Summit in India in August.
Second-year International Relations, Chinese language, and Strategic Studies student Tahlia Beckitt said the scholarship was not only an opportunity to learn and expand her future professional horizons, but would provide a platform from which to advocate for issues important to her.
“I am passionate about creating policies that improve people’s status, rights and ability to participate fairly in the world around them. I find the policymaking process fascinating as it is vital to empowering previously marginalised people,” Ms Beckitt said.
“As a Year 12 student, I reached the semi-finals of the UN Youth Evatt Trophy competition where I entered into rounds of negotiation with other students and sought to pass, amend or block mock resolutions, as necessitated by the beliefs of the country we represented.
“This experience inspired me to enrol in International Relations at Curtin, which in turn has served as the perfect preparation for me ahead of the Y20 Youth Summit in India, where I will present Australian youth perspectives on the major issues of our time.”
Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said she was impressed by Ms Beckitt’s commitment not only to learning, but also to using her knowledge and skills to benefit those members of the community most in need.
“I congratulate Ms Beckitt on her Global Voices scholarship, which is an exciting opportunity to pursue her professional dreams while learning from likeminded peers from around the world at the Y20 Youth Summit,” Professor Hayne said.
“Ms Beckitt’s passion for international relations and political affairs combined with her keen social conscience and desire to help others, is a powerful combination which we know will see her make a positive difference to many lives.”
Global Voices Scholarships offer students opportunities to network with influential leaders and create public policies. For more information visit here.
