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Stephanie, an international student from Hong Kong, is mastering the balancing act of staying determined through her studies, achieving in her Master of Commerce and continuing to show impactful leadership in accessibility and sustainability initiatives.
Stephanie’s academic journey has been shaped by determination. She first completed an undergrad in psychology, before moving onto a Master of teaching. However, she soon discontinued the course and transitioned to a Master of Commerce.
Stephanie’s pathway to Curtin began with Curtin College in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an international student, the academic transition wasn’t easy, but the smaller classes and buffer year at Curtin College helped her adapt to university life before moving into the psychology program.
Living on campus at St Catherine’s College, Stephanie has immersed herself in community life, using her lived experience to advocate for greater accessibility. She co-leads the 2Unite Club, which raises awareness about disability and accessibility, is active in the Climate Crew, working on sustainability initiatives like recycling programs, and recently completed the Leadership Launchpad Program hosted by Amnesty International.
Advocating for accessible spaces at the college, Stephanie has a drive of resilience and persistence and has joined the Youth Disability Network as a board member. She also has an active membership at Curtin’s Accessibility Collective, deepening her breadth of knowledge.
Through her various roles, Stephanie has worked tirelessly to foster inclusivity and educate others.
“I’m passionate about increasing awareness around disability. It’s crucial for spaces to be inclusive and to advocate for change”
Stephanie has found great value in accessing university services and encourages students to explore what support Curtin provides. Stephanie began using note-taking assistance a few years ago, which she described as a highlight of her studies. She has found that having a note-taker has been invaluable, not only academically, but also helping her to build a great friendship.
“I really want people to know that even though you have a disability, or you need extra support, the university is always willing to help.”
Balancing her studies, advocacy and extracurricular roles hasn’t been easy, especially while advocating for personal support for her visual impairment and epilepsy. She has found it difficult to find a full-time job with her disability, however, she’s gaining valuable experience through a remote internship with a Sydney-based NGO, where she’s learning marketing and HR skills.
Stephanie’s ultimate goal is to secure a full-time marketing role that she finds meaningful. Stephanie continuously proves the importance of resilience, advocacy, and community. Her passion for creating a more inclusive world, both on campus and beyond, are paving the way for future students to feel empowered and supported in their own journeys.
