You would be hard-pressed to find a more passionate ambassador for The McCusker Centre for Citizenship than Shakira Donovan.
While studying at UWA, the 23-year-old made the most out of the many opportunities the McCusker Centre of Citizenship offered by attending the Global Citizenship internship in New York, completing the Pathways to Citizenship summer unit, volunteering her time on the Student Advisory Committee and attending the Matariki Global Citizenship Forum.
So it’s no surprise that, when Ms Donovan graduated in late 2018, the Centre offered her a job.
In the Project Officer role; Ms Donovan liaises with and supports the Student Advisory Committee, works on the upcoming mentoring program, develops the alumni program and helps Internship Coordinator Sam Andrews follow-up with students while they are on their internships.
“There are so many things I love about working here,” she said.
“It’s such a great team and such a nice environment. I am so grateful to still be involved with the Centre because I really feel it connects with my values. I love that the Centre empowers young people to contribute to the community. That’s something I’m very passionate about.”
Ms Donovan said her first-hand experience of what it’s like to undertake a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship came in handy when speaking with current students.
“I feel like I can relate to students. After all, it isn’t that long since I was one,” she said.
“It’s really nice to be able to connect with them, and hopefully they feel like their questions and concerns are being listened to. Doing overseas internships especially can be quite scary, so it’s really good to be able to give that personal advice.”
Ms Donovan said her experience with the McCusker Centre for citizenship enriched her university experience.
“It helped me to realise that, even though I was just one student, I had the power to make a difference. I would encourage everyone to get involved and realise their power.”