Celebrating the impact of RMIT's student volunteers

Throughout the year students from RMIT's volunteering community are recognised and celebrated for their contributions to various events.

Student volunteers at RMIT are not just making a difference within the university community, they are also creating ripples of change that extend far beyond the campus. Their selfless acts of service, whether big or small, have the power to transform lives and make a significant impact on the world around us.

Volunteering helps to develope valuable skills that can be applied to a future career, like teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and communication - all while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Volunteering makese a difference in our community, and RMIT are committed to recognising and celebrating the incredible contributions of our student volunteers throughout the year. You can read some of their stories below.

Otto Rugen - RMIT Peer Mentoring Program

Otto Rugen is being recognised for his kindness, patience and great advice to other students through the RMIT Peer Mentoring Program. He has talked through course expectations, building models, uniforms, what to expect on flights and how to prep for them, getting around the different campuses, which books are better, the flight simulation experience, staying calm in tests, importance of briefings and even what to expect in exams. In addition to this, Otto also generously gave his time to being a Study Buddy in the pilot program for neurodiverse students.

I'm a peer mentor at RMIT, and I'm also a Joey Scout leader. My most rewarding experience with those is for sure helping people to learn things for themselves - watching Joeys learn to tie knots, or watching a process click in another flight student's brain, it's a GREAT feeling. Peer mentoring has shown me that I really do want to be an instructor at the end of my degree - hopefully one with RMIT!

Sofiya Khan - RMIT Student Experience Advisory Group

As soon as Sofiya walked into the first SEAG meeting of the year, she participated with enthusiasm and brought an upbeat energy to the meetings. Sofiya actively takes the time to engage with fellow SEAG reps and staff. She is articulate and considerate during discussions and demonstrates a passion for improving the student experience at RMIT. In recognition of her efforts, Sofiya received a certificate as well as a gift from the RMIT Store!

Volunteering is a touchpoint where you get to see, learn, and change practices at the university. There’s a significant level of autonomy given to volunteers. This has helped guide my interpersonal learning and confidence which is critical for self-development when preparing to join the workforce.

Tanvi Shaikh - RMIT Creative

Tanvi was chosen because the team found it to be a joy to watch her shine and grow in her role, taking initiative and with an immaculate level of dedication and organisation. She supports other volunteers to feel comfortable and part of the team and is full of exciting and passionate ideas. It's clear that she really values her volunteer work and is proud to share it with the wider community via LinkedIn. In recognition of her efforts, Tanvi received a certificate as well as an RMIT Hoodie from the RMIT Store!

As a volunteer, the most rewarding experience has been connecting with a diverse range of people who come to study at RMIT from all over the world, including new and exchange students, participants and volunteers. I’ve enjoyed engaging with individuals outside of my field, exchanging knowledge, and learning about their studies, interests, and university experience. Volunteering has allowed me to tap into my creative side again after years and has contributed to an overall personal development.

Valerie Chow - Outstanding RMIT Open Day Volunteer

Valerie Chow is studying a Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry) and was one of our student volunteers at the RMIT 2024 Open Days. Valerie was our lucky student volunteer recipient of a new iPad for being involved in the experience of helping showcase our community.

Hezha Hesami - RMIT Training

Hezha was chosen to be recognised as the Volunteer of Month for May as he has been an extremely committed volunteer and always the first to put up his hand to assist the Student Experience team, as well as the Comms and Marketing team. Hezha has been a passionate contributor whose impact amongst his peers has highlighted the role that inclusion, belonging and community plays at RMIT Training. In recognition of his efforts, Hezha received a certificate as well as a $50 Campus Store voucher!

For me, the SSCC (Student Staff Consultative Committee) was the most remarkable experience I had. Unlike many volunteering roles that involve social work such as organizing events, SSCC involved researching and presenting data in a constructive manner to influence higher levels of staff. This experience was fulfilling and memorable.”

Joshua Catherine Moylan- RMIT Peer Mentor

Joshua Catherine Moylan was chosen to be recognised as an outstanding volunteer for their dedication in helping students in the 'Programming Bootcamp' study sessions. They demonstrated themselves to be patient, kind, knowledgeable, encouraging and focused on building confidence in students studying programming. Joshua is neurodiverse and has provided an incredibly safe space for other neurodiverse students to seek help. Joshua received a certificate as well as a $50 Campus Store voucher.

I get enjoyment and the opportunity to practice empathy, and that's why I love to volunteer. One piece of advice I'd give is that it's not a full-time job. You can do a little, or you can a lot. It's up to you!

Yuwen Lu - RMIT Plus Ambassador

Yuwen began his role as an RMIT Plus Ambassador, aiming to meet new people and support students. He volunteered at events, demonstrating RMIT values and stepping out of his comfort zone. Before RMIT he volunteered in Tanzania, assisting locals with school supplies and chores. Yuwen, who arrived from China in 2023, found volunteering improved his English, helped him make friends and understand a new culture. He received a certificate of recognition and a $50 RMIT Campus Store voucher for his efforts.

I love to use my skills to help those in need. If I can explain to other people what I learned, then the learning is done well!

Interested in volunteering as an RMIT student?

Participating in a volunteer program or role can not only be personally fulfilling but can also help you meet new people and build essential skills that employers value – like communication, leadership and teamwork. Volunteer experience also looks great on your résumé!

You can explore the different volunteering opportunities at RMIT before you decide which area to sign up with.

Already know which program you want to volunteer with? Tap the button below and complete the form. 

04 May 2024

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Celebrating the impact of RMIT's student volunteers