Nizam Jazeer Nijamudeen

Final year, double degree in law and commerce

Melbourne Burwood Campus

'Academic success can be made much more enjoyable and easier by studying with friends and asking staff for help whenever required.'

I’ve always been someone passionate about creating positive change in the world. Deakin provided the perfect culture to cultivate this passion by servicing various student groups and the wider student body.

Finding relevant events and pursuing my interests in professional development, sport and social welfare in my first year at Deakin University was a challenge. It was also a challenge to find like-minded individuals with similar hobbies and passions. I decided that I would make an effort to improve Deakin University in these areas for all students.

I founded the Deakin Sri Lankan and Indian Club [DSLIC] to facilitate crosscultural understanding between the international and domestic student cohorts and foster an appreciation of their cultures. This was achieved by events like the inaugural Deakin University Cultural Show – DISHA09 – held at the Whitehorse Arts Centre to an audience above 350.

I also sought to deliver events that were appealing to diverse student communities interested in intellectual discourse and physical wellbeing. This included forming the DSLIC cricket team and initiating and managing the annual  Transnational Debate for the Business and Law Faculty.

I have also represented the wider student body to the Faculty Academic Board, assisted the wider Deakin community in roles such as faculty mentor and O’ Week host, and been employed as a student ambassador for marketing, and as
a student rover. For my efforts, I was awarded by the Faculty in 2010 with an Award for Cultural Engagement and recognised by the wider community as a young leader.

My active university life and commitment to improving the student experience enabled me to develop a large network of friends, event suppliers, academic and executive staff and community leaders through a truly unique Deakin experience. These staff members, friends and the Division of Student Life services helped me develop effective study techniques to balance it all with a commendable academic average. Academic success can be made much more enjoyable and easier by studying with friends and asking staff for help whenever required. Immerse yourself in university life and achieve something during your time at Deakin!