International Student Awards - Preeti Maharjan

Tell us about your International Student Award.

I have volunteered with various communities in Adelaide ranging from disadvantaged children, international and local students, elderly people, and government professionals. I volunteered at SA Health to create a chronic irreversible lung diseases database. I volunteered as mentor for disadvantaged children during a summer camp with Puddle Jumper.

I have also worked with the Adelaide University Rotaract Club as Professional Development Director, where I organised various professional development sessions for club members and presented club projects at other Rotaract and rotary meetings. 

In addition, I worked with The Leprosy Mission Australia in various fund-raising activities to help people affected by leprosy in countries such as Nepal, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and India. I worked with The Leprosy Mission Nepal before coming to Australia, which included talking at different meetings, churches, and luncheon programs for raising funds for people affected by leprosy. I also volunteered with Southern Cross Care as a lifestyle assistant for about five months.

What is your goal once you have completed your degree?

I am planning to go back to Nepal and work for the community helping people in need. I aspire to become a pragmatic public health leader applying the knowledge and experience gained from university and community engagement during my two years in Adelaide.

What do you miss about your home country?

I miss my family and home-cooked food, particularly during our biggest festivals such as Dashain and Tihar in October/November.