Meet Nandini, a resilient economics student originally from Mumbai, India, who embarked on a transformative journey when she moved to Australia in 2021 with the help of Curtin Volunteers!
Coming from a family of doctors and excelling in high school, Nandini initially faced pressure to follow a medical career path. Even after passing the Medical Exam, she courageously chose to pursue her aspirations, determined to forge a unique trajectory. She found herself drawn to a Bachelor of Law, seeing it as a better fit for her future. However, as an international student, the cost was prohibitive. To pursue her passion, Nandini opted for a Bachelor of Commerce, aligning with her mother’s profession in accounting. This choice would later enable her to pursue a Juris Doctor after gaining permanent residency, allowing her to pay domestic student fees.
Nandini’s academic journey has been characterised by both challenges and triumphs. Initially grappling with the transition to online learning and cultural adjustments upon relocating to Australia, she found herself feeling isolated and introverted, unlike her usual self. With the struggle of online studies, trying to make friends, feeling as if her English was not good enough, and navigating negative feelings about her body image, Nandini struggled with whether coming to Australia to study was the right choice. The start of university life was marked by uncertainty and apprehension, but she found solace and support through Curtin Volunteers! (CV!), finding a community that provided her with a sense of belonging and purpose.
When looking through the Curtin website, on a mission to find options for who to reach out to, and places to meet people, she found CV! and decided that it would be beneficial to join, so she could travel around Perth and WA without a car, as some of their opportunities provided transportation. She also recognised that it would be an easy way to meet people and strike up new conversations, as they already had a common conversation starter; the volunteering activity.
This involvement not only facilitated Nandini’s integration into campus life but also fostered invaluable leadership skills and personal growth. Her journey with Curtin Volunteers! evolved from an extracurricular activity to a transformative life experience, where she now calls CV! her Australian family. Embracing roles as both a volunteer and leader, she has so far dedicated over 130 hours to CV! initiatives, ranging from environmental clean-ups to mentoring exchange students. Through these experiences, Nandini not only contributed to the community but has also found a sense of fulfilment and belonging. Nandini feels so grateful to have found her family here on campus who have supported her through the highs and lows of her time in Australia.
While excelling academically in the field of Commerce, her ambitions extend beyond the classroom. Actively involved in campus organisations and initiatives, Nandini serves as the President of the Sustainable Collective which focuses on a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Nandini’s journey is a testament to adaptability and how much fulfilment you can find in volunteering both for giving back to the community and within yourself. From navigating cultural adjustments to overcoming personal challenges, her unwavering determination and commitment to finding comfort in her exchange home has propelled her forward. Through volunteerism, leadership roles, and academic pursuits, she has not only found a sense of belonging but also discovered her true potential and purpose.
Nandini’s journey stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and the profound fulfilment that volunteering can offer, both in giving back to the community and enriching one’s inner self. From navigating cultural adjustments to conquering personal challenges, her unwavering determination and commitment to finding comfort in her new environment have been the driving forces propelling her forward. Through her active engagement in volunteerism, leadership roles, and academic pursuits, Nandini has not only discovered a deep sense of belonging but has also unearthed her true potential and purpose.
