Graduation day caps off a full circle journey for Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassador, Gloria Cinya.

For three Student Ambassadors, graduation day marks the culmination of their journeys from pathway programs that helped them realise their ambitions, to giving back as Ambassadors and inspiring other young people through education.

The inspiring Ambassadors celebrated their full circle moment as they embark on the next chapter of their careers which all began with a dream and a pathway to getting there with Western.

Student Ambassador and Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine) graduate, Gloria Cinya joined Western’s Fast Forward program during her high school years at Nagle College Blacktown, which cemented her dream of working in the health industry and setting clear goals.

“Fast Forward provided me early exposure to university life and the diverse opportunities available. Through campus visits and discussions on different career paths, the ongoing support and guidance I received boosted my confidence in my abilities,” said Gloria.

After receiving Western’s Fast Forward scholarship, Gloria wanted to give back and contribute in a similar way by becoming a Student Ambassador which led to new growth opportunities.

“I had the privilege of becoming a Student Ambassador which allowed me to support new and future students and share my own university journey which was incredibly rewarding and helped me grow my leadership and communication skills.”

“I successfully completed my clinical placements, including an international placement in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These hands-on experiences challenged me to apply my clinical skills in unfamiliar settings and helped build my confidence and adaptability.”

Fellow graduating Student Ambassador, Jenaya Jacka said Western provided her with the opportunity to study a unique degree in policing, plus numerous opportunities that would enhance her overall university experience.

This included highlights such as attending the Women in Leadership Summit, presenting the Vote of Thanks speech to NSW Premier Chris Minns for his first 100 days in office, attending the Sydney Peace Prize Gala Dinner, and an international study tour in Vietnam.

The Bachelor of Policing (Leadership Program) graduate has become increasingly passionate about the need to protect victims and their families, helping others, and meeting new and future students.

“Working as a Student Ambassador for the Fast Forward program allowed me to help students realise their dreams. My degree has guided me into a field that I am very passionate about – when you work in a field you love, you never work a day in your life,” said Jenaya.

“Hard work brings rewards. Nothing ever comes easy. When offered opportunities, say ‘yes’. Say yes to everything because you never know what could happen.”

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Student Ambassador Rebecca Duncan now holds two degrees including a Bachelor of Medical Science (Advanced) as she graduates this week from the Juris Doctor program with a distinction and making the Dean’s Merit List.

With ambitions to become a lawyer and barrister, Rebecca first found out about Western’s Fast Forward program when she was in Year 9 at Cranebrook High School, where her older brother also participated in the program.

“The Fast Forward program showed me that university was a realistic option for me and made me comfortable and familiar with the university environment,” said Rebecca.

“I was lucky enough to receive a Fast Forward scholarship and was also offered a Student Ambassador role. Take full advantage of the amazing opportunity that Fast Forward presents to you and get involved with all that the program has to offer – definitely apply for the scholarship.”

ENDS

16 June 2025

Danielle Aiken, Media Officer

Photo credit: Yann Le Berre