Meet Amanda – (she/her). She’s an international Master of Public Policy student from Norway, an advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community and is passionate about helping fellow students find their feet at university.

We sat down with Amanda to learn about her work as a UniMentor, what motivates her to “pay it forward”, and how she’s inspiring others to do the same. 

When I moved to Australia, I didn’t know a single person in the entire country and had no idea what to expect, so starting university was very intimidating for me.

Shortly after commencing her studies in Zoology, Amanda realised her true calling lay in helping others and changed her undergraduate degree to Psychology. 

“It fit me a lot better as I’ve wanted to help people since I was very young. My dream career would be using my degree in the not-for-profit sector to help to improve mental health outcomes in the LGBTIQA+ community.”

Amanda says the UniMentor program has provided her with the opportunity help new students overcome some of the challenges she had faced.

“UniMentors are matched with a group of mentees and you support them through their first weeks of university. We are also involved in orientation activities such as O-Week, plus there’s extra volunteer events like enrolment support and participating in excursions such as trips to the zoo.” 

Amanda believes she’s received as much from being a mentor as she gives. “It’s a great way to develop your skills, meet people from a wide range of degrees and backgrounds, and utilise the experience you’ve gained during your time at UWA."

Volunteering is also a wonderful way to set yourself apart from others when it comes time to start your career, and as a UniMentor you’re one step closer to qualifying for the careers and employability award, which is widely recognised.

If Amanda’s story has inspired you to become a UniMentor, you can find out more and apply to join here.