As she approaches the end of her double degree, Sasha is making her mark overseas while setting her sights on contributing to the community at both local and global levels.

A devout volunteer in humanitarian work and community service, Sasha has always been driven by a passion for advocacy and supporting disadvantaged communities. It was only after finishing high school that she realised she wanted to pursue this purpose through further study. Sasha was strategic in her choice to pursue a double degree in Law and International Studies.

So, why this specific double degree?

I chose to study both degrees simultaneously because they complement each other by providing a deeper insight into my areas of study. For example, studying migration policy in my International Studies degree supplemented my understanding of constitutional law because I gained a nuanced understanding of why the law is the way it is – not simply what the law is.

You're set to go overseas and study abroad – tell us more about the opportunity and what you are looking most forward to.

I am set to study at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. I hope that after that, I can pursue a Master's degree that specialises in public and human rights law. I applied for this opportunity as this university runs modules relating directly to international human rights law and policy.

Honestly, I am most looking forward to finishing my degree abroad and travelling through the United Kingdom and also Europe whilst on spring break. It is a good opportunity to expand my worldview and build my intercultural communication skills.

I am also looking forward to studying the human rights modules at this university – it will be the first time I am undertaking human rights electives in another country. I am excited about engaging in fruitful discussions with classmates from different parts of the world. This will significantly benefit me by shifting my worldview to consider legal issues from various perspectives.

What path or career do you see yourself going into after graduation?

I believe I am best suited to pursue a career promoting human rights, either in a non-governmental organisation, community legal centre, or even government departments. My studies in law and policy – both in the domestic and international space – have shown me the interconnectedness between these two disciplines. Currently, I want to complete a legal graduate program in the public service and use my training and experience to continue advocacy work for community legal centres. Maybe one day I will go to the Bar and become a barrister, but I'd like to have a fulfilling career in community services first.

Any tips or words of wisdom you have for other students just starting their GAF scholarship journey?

1. Try EVERYTHING! As students, we pay so much for our degrees, so make the most of what the university and the scholarship have to offer.

Take on that unpaid internship, go on an exchange, get involved in a club, try student advocacy, apply for that program, cold email the organisation you want to work for, and ask if they're hiring.

You'll never know what happens unless you try. You might not like everything – but if you give it a try, then you can walk away knowing that you did what you could.

2. Find purpose in everything you do. I'll be completely honest – in the first two years of my degree, I was struggling with my units. I could NOT seem to wrap my mind around the content, and as a result, my grades suffered. I went on an exchange to the Czech Republic, and whilst I was there, I learnt that every unit had a purpose – I just had to find it.

When I returned, I began to appreciate the significance of my learning and its impact on the world at large. I discovered that I knew nothing – and because of that, I wanted to know more. I became more curious and did the extra readings and research. As a result, my grades skyrocketed, and I began to understand the content much more clearly.

When you understand the purpose, you start to like learning. When you like learning, you feel much more confident in approaching assignments and exams. The confidence helps with grades, but it also helps you enjoy your degree.

3. The George Alexander Foundation provided you with a prestigious scholarship – so make use of it the best way you can. In the spirit of George Alexander, continue your philanthropy, get involved in the community and take initiative with your career. You are deserving of this scholarship for a reason, so show them your worth!