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Griffith University is proud to be represented by 10 students and one Griffith College student in this year’s Gold Coast Mayor’s Student Ambassador Program.  The 2024 Mayor’s Student Ambassadors are from 13 countries, representing 11 Gold Coast education and training providers. 

Over the year the ambassadors will encounter a range of activities which will see them grow academically, personally and professionally within a program that’s designed to build a deeper understanding of themselves, their fellow students and the wider Gold Coast community. 

It’s our pleasure to introduce them to you now!

Indian student Maadhav Maheshwari is studying a Master of Marketing and Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management and was drawn to study at Griffith on the Gold Coast for its reputation and captivating natural beauty.  

“I became a Mayor’s Ambassador because of the remarkable personal and professional growth I have experienced on the Gold Coast,” he said. “The opportunities provided by university boosted my confidence and overall development, inspiring me to share my life experiences with future students.” 

Also from India, Master of Business student Reshma Joshy chose Griffith University because of its affiliation with the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand (IML ANZ), which offers fast-tracked access to Chartered Manager status.  

“As a Student Ambassador I hope to become a part of a larger community and to represent international students on the Gold Coast,” she said. “I feel very fortunate.”  

Chauncey Hachero is from the Philippines and is studying a Diploma of Health Sciences at Griffith College as a pathway to a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences.  

“I wanted to become a Mayor’s Student Ambassador because I’m in love with what the program provides: the people you get to meet, the places you can go and the opportunities that await,” he said.  

Before moving from Vietnam, Quach Khang Dat (Dennis) Nguyen thoroughly researched Griffith’s educational offerings, specifically the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science. His goal is to use emerging technology to treat disease and improve medical devices.

“Every day on the Gold Coast is filled with so many new lessons,” he said. “I am excited by the opportunity to engage in unique experiences with other Mayor’s Student Ambassadors.” 

Elnaz Pourandalibi has experienced many different cultures after moving from her birthplace of Tehran to Venezuela, and then on to Canada as a teenager. She first heard about Griffith and the Gold Coast when researching universities.  

“I decided that I no longer wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, so I took my chance with law, applied to Griffith University and absolutely fell in love with it!” she said, eager to use her role as Ambassador to represent student voices and foster positive change. 

Filipino student Anika Kalalo discovered the Gold Coast when researching the best Australian universities for her degree, a Master of Business.  

“I wanted to become a Mayor’s Student Ambassador because I was determined to step out of my comfort zone and embrace personal and professional growth,” she said. “Additionally, I want to showcase the beauty of the Gold Coast to the world – the vibrant community and stunning beaches.” 

Dayoung (Diane) Yun, a Griffith student from Korea, is studying a Bachelor of Nursing and is excited to meet ambitious, like-minded students through the Mayor’s Ambassador Program.  

“I’m eager to showcase the vibrant and diverse life of an international student here on the Gold Coast,” she said.  

Bachelor of Government and International Relations student Afreeda Germean draws on her Kurdish heritage and Swedish background when building friendships with fellow Gold Coast students from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

“I have been pleasantly surprised by the many leadership and career development opportunities offered to students,” she said.  

Maitri Chan from Malaysia is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and chose to study at Griffith because of its modern facilities and reputation in the health industry.  

“Becoming an Ambassador allows me to experience the Gold Coast in a unique way while contributing to the local community,” she said. “I value the opportunity to connect in such a purposeful way.”  

Originally from India Yashi Bhardwaj is studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith.  She moved to the Gold Coast with her family to fulfil her father’s dream of giving his family an atmosphere to grow more in life.  

“This is a golden opportunity to contribute to shaping and promoting the city of the Gold Coast’s values,” she said. “Making a positive impact on the city and leaving a lasting legacy will be extremely fulfilling for me.”  

Jin Hyeok Gwak looks forward to being supported by the Mayor’s Ambassador Program, as it provides a safe space for students willing to step out of their comfort zone. Originally from Korea, Jin is in his final year of a Bachelor of Computer Science. 

“I believe this program will introduce me to new perspectives and to think differently,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to trying out new things I’ve never done before.” 

 Find out more about these star student’s stories and 2024 program on the Study Gold Coast website here. 

Congratulations Ambassadors! We look forward to following your journey this year. 

Thank you to our friends at Study Gold Coast for letting us use these photos!