Impact of our donors
At UNSW we know that every gift, no matter how small, can make a big impact on the lives of our students in need. That's why some thankful students on behalf of themselves and their peers, are expressing their gratitude to staff, alumni and others within the UNSW community who have contributed philanthropically towards initiatives like ASPIRE, Nura Gili and Equity Scholarships.
Zahra (BSc 鈥19), UNSW ASPIRE Ambassador
Meet Zahra, a student volunteer for ASPIRE - UNSW鈥檚 award-winning educational outreach program. Through ASPIRE, Zahra is able to help grow the academic ability and aspirations of students with little to no exposure to university, and help them to see higher education as a very real option for them.
鈥淜nowing about university shouldn't be a privilege, and many students rarely leave their community so their life experience is very limited. ASPIRE opens up a world of possibilities for them,鈥 she said. 鈥淵our support will ensure that we can continue encouraging young people to achieve their goals.鈥
Volunteering with ASPIRE has been extremely rewarding for Zahra. She wants donors to know the true impact of their generosity, having seen firsthand how many young minds have flourished with its impact, transforming personal and professional trajectories, and breaking cycles of disadvantage.
鈥淚 want to say thank you, so much, for supporting the program that has helped so many, and for the opportunity to share my story. It truly means a lot,鈥 she said. 鈥淎 donation towards ASPIRE is a long-term investment in Australia's future, so the impact of your support can last a lifetime.鈥
鈥淭hank you for your support, the impact of which can last a lifetime.鈥
鈥淚 just want to say - thank you so, so much鈥
Jayden (BSRP 鈥20), Nura Gili Ambassador
Meet Jayden, currently in his second year studying with UNSW Arts & Social Sciences. Jayden also loves playing rugby, and volunteering as an ambassador for Nura Gili, UNSW鈥檚 dedicated Indigenous Programs Unit.
In 2018, Jayden was one of 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who participated in Nura Gili鈥檚 Indigenous Winter School Program. Jayden said his experience was so positive that he returned to the program this year as a supervisor, and hopes to continue volunteering with the program to support the next generation of Indigenous students.
鈥淣ura Gili was a huge part of my decision to come to UNSW. Without it, I'd be so lost, honestly. Not even just in an educational sense, but in all the extra things that go with being an Indigenous student鈥 said Jayden. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like an extended family. Somewhere you can turn up and it's like you鈥檙e at home.
鈥淚 just want to say thank you so, so much for what you鈥檝e helped to create. It really does impact our lives. Without it, a lot of us genuinely would not be here. So thank you and please keep on supporting it.鈥
Karie (LLB 鈥23), Equity Scholarship recipient
Meet Karie, second-year student at UNSW Law, and recipient of the President and Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 (PVC) Equity Scholarship. Karie is one of a handful of students granted this scholarship opportunity each year, with funding generously provided by UNSW alumni donors through the UNSW Impact Appeal.
This scholarship changes lives by supporting students experiencing disadvantage, including low socioeconomic status, rural and regional students. It enables them to access higher education, helps them to thrive at university, and pursue their career of choice. Scholarships are a truly meaningful way to elevate passionate students like Karie, so that they can, in time, elevate all of us.
With big plans to use her degree to influence refugee policy, Karie is well on her way to success. To all those who contributed towards her scholarship, She expressed her sincere gratitude, on behalf of all scholarship recipients past, present and future.
鈥淚t's hard to understand the impact you can have on people when you donate, because it is so personal. It's money that we need, and that we appreciate so much,鈥 she said.
鈥淭hank you. Thank you for being so generous, and believing that we can do it, even though we might not be from a privileged background. Thank you for having faith that we can get through.鈥
鈥淭he biggest thank you - not just from me, but from my family as well.鈥
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