University and School Involvement

• Childcare Assistant, Fortitude Valley State School (May – August 2008)
  The OSHC program, available in many schools in Queensland, provides before-and-after-school childcare to students aged between 4 and 13.
  My job mainly involved interacting with the kids, ensuring that they’re safe and all right, and assisting with duties such as food preparation and clean-up. There were a couple of special-needs students in OSHC and part of the job was to make sure they functioned well without disrupting the other students. The job required skills in compassion and discipline, being imaginative and creative, and being willing to jump into any situation as crafted by the kids (such as playing dress-up). I was not able to work for very long due to not having the right credentials (people without childcare-related credentials can only work for 6 months before having to get certification or leave) but it was very fulfilling, fun, and enjoyable.

• Student Resident, nternational House Brisbane (July 2006 – November 2007)
  The International House residences worldwide provide lodging for university students while encouraging interaction between cultures, through activities and housing a diverse international population.
  As a resident at IH, I was quite active in various intra- and inter-college activities. Among them are ChoralFest, DanceFest, Soiree, squash, BandFest, Boro Khana (monthly formal dinner), and so on. As the Food Convenor, I had weekly meetings with college staff and catering to discuss meal options, go through the meal comments book, and discuss themes for upcoming Bhoro Khanas. I earned a Student Achievement Award for my keen involvement, and am actually back in IH for a short time before graduation – though not as active due to personal commitments and low activity within college during the holidays.

• International Students Director, QUT Student Guild (February – May 2007)
  The QUT Student Guild provides advocacy and services to QUT students, including retail outlets, clubs & societies, advice, and so on.
  As the International Students Director, I kept in touch with the cultural societies on campus and endeavoured to research the needs and opinions of international students in QUT. I attended meetings with QUT International and other faculty members involved with international students. I assisted the Chaplain with their campaign for better support during their relocation, and proposed diversity training for the Guild and student leaders. I did not stay long due to my distrust of internal politics and general life issues, but I hope that the coming directors for future years will be able to put politics aside and concentrate on helping their constituents.