A year before she became a student of Politics, International Relations and Social Justice at Notre Dame, Grace Forrest established the Walk Free Foundation, an international not-for-profit working towards the eradication of modern slavery – forced labour, human trafficking and forced marriage.

Her drive and passion were fostered by her lecturers at the university who “always encouraged me to see the world and its great challenges through a different lens”.

“Learning about the world, questioning the construct of nearly every belief system I had – even when I came back to the same conclusion – I loved the process of analysis which was always encouraged by my lecturers,” says Grace, who was last year became the youngest UN Goodwill Ambassador for Australia (UNAA).

Notre Dame Law graduate Joshua Clarey switched to Notre Dame from a larger university to complete a Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), looking for smaller class sizes and the opportunity to connect with his lecturers and peers.

Following 2017, Joshua is now working as a Lawyer for Hammond Legal, who practice in litigation, commercial law, criminal law, wills and estates, property law, employment law, local government, corporate governance and personal injury claims.

Speaking about his time studying law at the university, Joshua says: "There are units dedicated to developing the argument structure and public speaking but beyond that, Notre Dame encourages out-of-the-box reasoning."

"This unique approach set me up with the critical thinking skills and the confidence to be a good lawyer which for me means treating everyone I encounter, either a client or the opposition, with respect and humility, traits which are encouraged and fostered at Notre Dame.”

Opportunities to travel and teach anywhere in the world are already on the horizon for third-year Notre Dame Primary Education student, Arianne.

Notre Dame is the only university in NSW that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate in teaching and learning alongside the Bachelor of Primary Education. Through the IB certificate, Arianne is gaining the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to teach at IB schools globally.

“I’ve had a range of incredible opportunities through Notre Dame. This year, I’m completing my professional experience overseas at an international school in Shanghai, China,” says Arianne, who has also completed an Aboriginal immersion experience in Broome in WA’s northwest and volunteered in disadvantaged schools in Tanzania during her studies.

“During my first professional experience, there were several scholarships available for Early Childhood students and I was extremely fortunate to succeed in getting a scholarship through the support of my lecturers.

“This meant that through my practicum I could work with high-quality professionals in the field, have access to a range of wonderful learning materials, and use the grant to help with textbooks and educational resources for my own learning.”