Meet Dona Dodampegama

Bachelor of Health Science (Therapeutic Recreation / Health Promotion)

I am from Sri Lanka and currently an international exchange student at Western Sydney University.

I was exposed to the world of healthcare from a young age as my father also works in this field. It was not until high school that my love for Health Science was solidified during some of my biology and chemistry classes; learning about the human body. With the help of my teachers and my father, I was able to consolidate my learning to better understand the complex functioning of the body and this cemented my decision to pursue a career as a health care professional.

My life completely changed after moving to Sydney (in a positive way!). I began my University journey at Western Sydney University The College, Nirimba, where I completed my pathway studies. By successfully completing this qualification, I was given the opportunity to study my Bachelor's degree in Health Science (Therapeutic Recreation/ Health Promotion) (opens in a new window). The ambiance, atmosphere, environment and the friendly attitude of everybody in the entire academic delivery system at Western Sydney University really had an impact on me and helped me achieve well in my studies despite studying such a long way from home.

Prior to starting my studies I was not one hundred percent sure where I wanted to end up in the health sector once I graduated. Luckily, the way that the curriculum and work placements were designed allowed me to continually develop my specific area of interest. I am looking forward to graduating with majors in both Therapeutic Recreation and Health Promotion which I hope to use to develop innovative strategies for improving the health and wellbeing of marginalised populations.

Dona is now a graduate of Bachelor of Health Science (Therapeutic Recreation/ Health Promotion)