Emma knows all too well that “what goes around eventually comes around”.
While the rest of her peers were lazing around on Thursday afternoons, the Caroline Springs teen volunteered her time at the Bacchus Marsh Salvos.
And, thanks to her efforts, Emma was given automatic entry to her “dream uni” – La Trobe – to study her “dream course” – law and psychology – through the Aspire program.
The program was initiated by La Trobe University and gives priority admission to secondary school students who have volunteered for at least six months with the Country Fire Authority, St John Ambulance or the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Australia program.
Emma said the long-term benefits of volunteering might not be obvious at first.
“You can see the difference you’re making in people’s lives,” she said. “Some of the people who come into the store – elderly people – don’t socialise a lot, so they stick around for a few hours.”
Although she volunteered during VCE and just before the crucial exams, Emma said it was possible to do both by managing her time.
“Realistically, the volunteering is only an hour-and-a-half a week,” she said. “For those who want to volunteer, I say, ‘Go for it’.”
Applications for the Aspire program close August 31. A range of community work and volunteering may qualify students for entry to the program.
Details: www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire
