Sarah’s community service internationally recognised

22 Jun 2016

By The Record

Master of Philosophy student at Notre Dame, Sarah Koelsch, is a finalist in the 2016 Council of International Students Western Australia (CISWA) International Student of the Year Award. Photo: Supplied

Master of Philosophy student at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sarah Koelsch, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2016 Council of International Students Western Australia (CISWA) International Student of the Year Award, due to be announced on 29 June.

Originally from Germany, Sarah was encouraged to nominate for the Award by the University for her outstanding contribution to service and the community through her on-campus and extracurricular commitments.

The CISWA International Student of the Year Award recognises an international student who has demonstrated academic excellence and contributed to enhancing the student experience, both on and off campus.

“I was delighted to have received confirmation from CISWA that I was a finalist for the 2016 International Student of the Year Award,” Sarah said.

“Volunteering and community work add value to my life due to the relationships I have established and meaningful interactions I have experienced through the programs and initiatives that have captured my attention.”

Whilst completing her Bachelor of Behavioural Science at Notre Dame, Sarah was awarded the Archbishop Foley Award in 2014, and the Bupa International Student Award in 2015 for outstanding community service endeavours.

Sarah’s involvement with community organisations continues to grow. She has been a volunteer for the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) since 2013, managing a number of outreach programs that deployed volunteer tutors into 10 secondary schools across Fremantle. In 2015, Sarah was promoted to the Program Manager’s Assistant for AIME at Notre Dame.

Sarah is also part of the Migration Support Services team at the Red Cross and completed more than 140 hours of internship work as part of the Higher Education Working Group for the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD).

She is currently working with CARAD as a co-researcher as part of her Master’s program at Notre Dame.

Kelly Daniels, Acting Assistant Manager and Student Connect Officer on Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus, encouraged Sarah to apply for the CISWA Award.

Mrs Daniels says Sarah’s leadership skills, demonstrated through her volunteering pursuits and in her role as a tutor for the academic unit, Developmental Psychology at Notre Dame, reflected her qualities as an international student representative in WA.

“Sarah strives to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where trust is established and cultural differences are acknowledged,” Mrs Daniels said.

“Sarah’s ability to be a person of trust and advice also extends to her community work, where she has supported individuals and groups through sometimes overwhelming and emotional situations.

“The University congratulates Sarah on this outstanding recognition.”