The moment is one of her favourite memories of volunteering as a mobility van driver at Victoria. “I realised that without the work of staff and volunteers at Disability Services, students with disabilities might not feel as comfortable, or as welcome at University as they deserve to be.”
Sarah, who is studying Science, is one of 200 Vic Volunteers who supplement the efforts of paid staff at Disability Services to ensure students with disabilities can fully access their education.
Initially, Sarah started volunteering as a note taker for a fellow classmate and soon found that volunteering helped motivate her to study.
“I had more reason and responsibility to be on campus or go to that early morning lecture that was usually so hard to get up for!”
As Sarah’s commitment to volunteering grew, she also became a volunteer van driver which she describes as a highlight in her volunteering journey. “I love the personal aspect—getting to know the students and seeing the impact you can have as a volunteer.”
Victoria has a variety of volunteer roles that anyone can get involved in. For more information, see Victoria's Disability Services website.
This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week (21 to 27 June) is He wahi mohou hei tuao (There is a place for you to volunteer).