Content
Dux works towards making a difference
Beerwah State High School dux Saira Manns has enrolled at the University of the Sunshine Coast because she wants to make a difference to the world.
The OP1 student will start a combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business degree this month to boost her career ambition of promoting not-for-profit organisations.
Saira, 18, of Landsborough currently works with Wildlife Warriors at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, where she has seen first hand the powerful impact that the organisation’s communications team has had on encouraging conservation.
“I’d like to continue in the not-for-profit industry,” she said. “It makes coming to work worthwhile. It feels like I’m making a difference in my job.”
Saira has worked with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors for the past two years as part of a school-based traineeship in office administration. During that time, she also attained two business certificates through TAFE.
Her traineeship involved assisting the charity’s communications team with media liaison work, uploading information to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors website, and even selling merchandise during animal presentations.
Saira said attending USC, where she will major in Communication and Public Relations, would enable her to continue working with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
“I love the Sunshine Coast,” she said. “I want to stay living at home for now and stay in my job. I wouldn’t want to leave it unless it was absolutely necessary.
“Wildlife Warriors is the place where I can hone the skills that I’m about to learn at uni. And it’s such a vibrant working environment. To get to my office, I have to walk past elephants and crocodiles.”
Saira attended USC’s Open Day last year and was impressed by a seminar led by the University’s Public Relations program leader Dr Amalia Matheson.
“She just blew me away,” she said. “After seeing her presentation, I was really happy about my decision to study at USC.”
— Terry Walsh