When student voices come together, real change begins.
Being a Study Toowoomba Student Ambassador has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey in Queensland. Every now and then, something unexpected happens – an opportunity that reminds me just how powerful student voices can be.
One evening, I received a message from Study Toowoomba:
“There’s an opportunity for you to be part of a Queensland Government consultation session.”
I literally paused and thought – Wow, that’s a big one! I was so excited (and honestly, a bit nervous), but I knew I wanted to be part of it. Soon after, I connected with Ben Bawden, Manager of Queensland Relations, who shared more details.
Thanks to Study Toowoomba, I had the incredible chance to attend the Queensland Government Consultation Session for the upcoming International Education and Training Strategy 2026-2036.
💬 A Room Full of Voices
The session brought together students from all across Queensland – each with their own stories, experiences, and insights. It was inspiring to see everyone speak so openly about their journeys.
Each student had something unique to share – from adjusting to a new culture to finding community support in regional cities like Toowoomba. It was eye-opening to hear the good, the challenging, and the surprising parts of studying and living here.
What stood out to me most was how carefully Ben Bawden, and his team listened. They didn’t just nod – they genuinely took notes, asked thoughtful questions, and showed real interest in what we had to say.
🌱 A Moment of Pride
As I left the meeting, I felt proud – proud to represent Toowoomba, proud to speak for international students, and proud to contribute to shaping the future of education in Queensland.
Now, I’m eagerly waiting to see how our ideas translate into action. Because one day, I want to be able to say:
“I was part of that change – and we are proud to be Queenslanders.”
This experience reminded me that every student’s story matters. When we come together and speak up, we don’t just share opinions – we help shape a more inclusive and inspiring Queensland for the next generation of learners. 💛🌏
