Written by Teagan Colless
There’s so much more to Charles Sturt than just your degree.
Do you feel you have seized all the opportunities Charles Sturt has to offer?
I’m Teagan, a fourth-year veterinary science student at Wagga Wagga. I’ve held many positions, internships and scholarships and been involved with clubs whilst at uni which have shaped my student experience.
My involvements uniquely contribute on a micro level to the overarching Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), illustrating how seizing everyday opportunities can drive meaningful change in our lives.
Quality education (SDG: #4) is the driving factor bringing you to Charles Sturt. While important, university life encompasses more than just your degree. Engaging in extracurricular activities can help you develop personally and professionally, forming a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle as a university citizen.
Here are some of my experiences that have enriched my university life, enabled me to branch beyond study, and forge meaningful friendships.
Joining a sporting club is great to meet new people, add structure to your evenings and improve physical and mental health SDG #3 Good Health and Wellbeing. I played with Wagga Ag Netball Club and made friends in different degrees/year levels.
In second and third year I was a Residential Leader where I was involved on campus, meeting and working with students and staff members, got involved with campus events and implemented sustainable practices while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment to live in, coinciding with SDG #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
In second year, I received a CSU Global grant to travel to Naankuse Wildlife Reserve in Namibia, Africa to volunteer for a placement. This was an incredible experience meeting locals and assisting with the wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programs, directly contributing to SDG #15 Life on Land.
In 2022 I was awarded Wagga Wagga’s Runner Up Women of the year from the Wagga Wagga Show Society for my efforts in the agricultural industry -SDG #2 Zero Hunger.
I met passionate young women and was a spokesperson for youth, specifically women in agriculture with personal emphasis on the importance of mental health, which is close to my heart – SDG #5 Gender Equity.
I became involved in the veterinary student’s association in second year as a year representative, including being on the student staff liaison committee and in second year a merchandise coordinator. In third and fourth year I took on the Hills Pet Nutrition CSU Student Representative role. This pertains to the SDG#16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
With a background in the beef industry and love for livestock and agriculture I was awarded the CSU/Angus Australia internship in 2023. I assisted the CSU Angus herds breeding program, extended my theoretical knowledge into practice and networked with leaders in the beef industry which reaffirmed my passion for large animal reproduction.
So far, I have completed 12 weeks of farm placements, 4 weeks of clinical placement and have another 5 weeks before my final year rotations. I’ve travelled across Australia and overseas to step out of my comfort zone and have received scholarships and grants to assist with travel and accommodation costs in rural and remote areas.
This year I was fortunate in being selected as the Charles Sturt online Sustainability Adviser. This role has been very versatile and enabled me to be more involved with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about sustainability specific to their area of interest, which for me pertains to the agricultural and veterinary industries.
Regardless of what it is that you may be interested in, I encourage you to take a leap and get involved to make the most out of your university experience, because you’ll only be an undergraduate student once!
If you are interested to find out more about the Student Sustainability Adviser roles, keep an eye on the Sustainability at Charles Sturt Instagram account or reach out to the Sustainability team directly at: sustainability@csu.edu.au
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
