Meet Nathan, a dedicated and passionate Master of Sexology student
Nathan discovered his interest in sexology while studying for his undergraduate psychology degree, where he chose sexology electives out of curiosity. After completing his degree, he was eager to continue studying and decided sexology was the right choice, as even from those few electives it gave him a new perspective and lens to view life. Nathan believes that success in sexology requires a repetitive willingness to identify and challenge personal beliefs.
Throughout Nathan’s university journey, his open and curious mind has led him to new and valuable experiences. He notes that he has undergone significant personal growth. When he first started, he thought of himself as socially awkward, but over time, he has gained confidence and become more outgoing.
His involvement with Curtin Volunteers (CV!) played a significant role in this transformation. Nathan initially joined CV! in 2020 as a project leader, coordinating one-off projects and weekend trips. By 2022, he became a senior leader, mentoring new leaders and guiding them through their projects. Today volunteering has become a huge part of Nathan’s life, and he plans to continue the commitment even after completing his studies. For Nathan, volunteering is about being part of the community and another way he demonstrates his commitment to forever broadening his perspectives. Nathan has participated in numerous volunteering projects, travelling to various locations such as Busselton, Wagin, Chittering, and Waroona. He has led these trips, coordinated volunteers, and worked with community partners. One of Nathan’s favourite experiences was the opportunity to work with Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, where he helped maintain habitats for black cockatoos.
“Volunteering is important because you get to meet a lot of different people who have had a very different life experience from you. It’s really important to consider other people’s experiences and their perspectives in life, and if you’re able to do that, then you’ll be able to go far.“
In addition to his volunteer work, Nathan works with the Curtin Orientation & Transition team, a role he discovered through UniHub. This position has provided some of his most memorable moments on campus. Nathan particularly enjoys Orientation Week, where he helps coordinate volunteers and assists new students in settling into university life. The energy and excitement of O-Week are highlights for Nathan every semester, as it allows him to meet a diverse group of students and make new friends.
Reflecting on his journey, Nathan advises students not to stress too much about the small stuff and social aspects of university life. He believes that social connections will naturally form if one is willing and open to new experiences. Nathan acknowledges that he used to be very self-conscious and focused on making a certain number of friends or being part of specific groups. However, he has learned that the best friendships evolve naturally and without force. Being open and comfortable with oneself leads to the most meaningful connections.
Looking ahead, Nathan aspires to become a psychologist, with a particular interest in working in domestic violence intervention and prevention. Nathan is committed to contributing to this field and wants to help make a difference. Nathan’s journey through university has been marked by his ability to seize opportunities and adapt to where life takes him.
