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By Theresa Chen, Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Now in my third year at Macquarie University, I can’t help but reflect on my journey and realise how far I’ve come. Back in my first year, I felt lost and directionless, merely attending classes and heading home each week after my classes. I felt like I genuinely did not belong in university but rather somewhere else. Fast forward two years, and I’ve worked in five different on-campus roles, volunteered with the Peer Mentor Program, started a student society, and am now proudly serving as the president of REACH MQ, Macquarie’s first student-based volunteering society.
But how did I get here? The answer lies in my involvement with the Global Leadership Program (GLP), which has been instrumental in unlocking these opportunities. Without the GLP, I might never have explored volunteering or engaged in extracurricular activities. To say the least, the GLP was a stepping stone to unlocking all these potential opportunities.
When I first encountered the GLP, the term “GLOBAL LEADERSHIP” was incredibly appealing. Having been active in my school’s Student Representative Council, I was eager to apply my skills at university. Little did I know, the GLP was not just about applying existing skills but about continuous personal and leadership development, opening doors to becoming a more impactful global citizen.
Although I’m just 20 points away from completing the program, I want to share a few highlights that have profoundly influenced my journey.
Peer Mentoring Program
I began my GLP journey as a peer mentor in Session 1 of 2023, guiding first-year students through their initial university experience. This role introduced me to a group of like-minded, compassionate students who, like me, wanted to make a difference. My experience was transformative; it not only improved my communication skills but also ignited a passion for helping others.
In Session 2, I applied for a leadership role within the program, becoming a peer leader. This position opened doors to one of my most rewarding jobs: as a ‘Student Belonging Activator’. I stood in front of a crowd of over hundreds, if not thousands, of new students over the past two years as I presented the ‘Books and Beyond’ workshop, showcasing Macquarie Library’s resources. My role at the Macquarie Library as an assistant and shelver also contributed to my selection for this opportunity, but needless to say, the leadership and public speaking skills I developed through the GLP were crucial in preparing me for this experience.
Some advice I’d like to give anyone reading this is to join the peer mentoring program. It is truly an amazing experience and a great opportunity to gain GLP points while opening doors to different opportunities around campus and meeting new people!
REACH MQ: Macquarie’s First Volunteering Society
One of my proudest achievements is co-founding REACH MQ with five other dedicated, compassionate students. Launched in July 2023, REACH MQ aims to “help hands, heal hearts” by REACH-ing out to those in need, giving back, and paying it forward. Within a year, we have gained so much interest from our students that we now have over 300 members. Our society has undertaken various impactful projects, of which I am proud to showcase:
● Service Projects: Partnering with Clean Up Australia, we tackled the iconic Parramatta River, making a tangible difference in our community.
● Compassion Projects: “From our hands, to their hearts,” we crafted compassion cards for Bear Cottage, an organisation providing end-of-life care for children.
● Fundraising Projects: Our “REACH x WOCO Thrift Shop” collaboration with Macquarie’s Women’s Collective raised over $3,000 for Mudgin Gal, an Aboriginal Women’s Shelter, through a successful campus thrift shop.
● Social Projects: Our “Multicultural Mingle” picnic celebrated the diverse cultures within our society, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
As the president of REACH MQ this semester, I encourage fellow students with a passion for volunteering and a compassionate heart to join us. You can find us on our linktree: https://linktr.ee/Reach_mq. We frequently hold casual volunteering opportunities and social events to help gather compassionate students together.
Last but not least, the GLP has been more than just a program; it’s been a gateway to growth, leadership, and community impact. If you’re considering joining, embrace the opportunities it offers. You might find, as I did, that it will help you unlock your full potential and make a meaningful difference in your university experience and beyond.
This post was so inspiring! As someone who struggled with feeling connected and welcome at this uni when I first started, it's inspiring to see what others have shared about their journey and growth as they study here. I loved reading about your story and what you had to share, it's inspired me to REACH (wink wink) out more and connect with other people. Thank you for sharing this, it was a great read!