The Mayor’s Student Ambassador program is designed to develop personal and professional skills in Gold Coast students and provide them with the opportunity to engage with the local community. Five Bond University students have been elected to the 2019 program. They are:
- Danna Weng moved to the Gold Coast from China to commence her Bachelor of Property in January 2018. Danna has thrived since her move and considers the Gold Coast as her second home. Her motivation to apply for the program stemmed from her love for “adventures, the feeling of achieving her goals, and improving herself after overcoming challenging tasks”. She hopes to broaden her networks and build her confidence throughout the program. She sees the program as an opportunity to share her story and advice as a Chinese Student. Her 10-year goal is to be comfortable in a property career or working at Bond to help future students achieve their personal goals.
 - Pritesh Pachchigar is the only Canadian selected for the program. He moved from Canada to begin his Juris Doctor degree in September 2018. In his relatively short time at Bond, Pritesh has become immersed in the Bond culture, joining the Law Students’ Association, Bond Golf Club, Bond Ball Hockey Club and more. In between his studies and co-curricular activities, he takes advantage of every opportunity to grow and become a global citizen. His goal throughout the program is to raise mental health awareness in Australia, particularly amongst students. In 10 years’ time, Pritesh sees himself as a professional corporate lawyer and continuing to be a change maker.
 - Rohan Das began his Bond journey in September 2016, after making the move from Kenya. Rohan graduated from a Biomedical Science degree and is now doing his honours on cancer inhibiting drugs. Aside from his fascinating field of study, he is also an active member of UniGlow; a club where Bond students who attend glow church share their experiences with other Bond students. By the end of his time as a student ambassador, Rohan hopes to gain a “better understanding of his community, and to make long-lasting memories of his time at Bond”. His 10-year goal involves securing a stable job in the Cancer research field, and to marry the girl of his dreams!
 - Hugh Maxey commenced at Bond in January this year, after moving from rural NSW and hasn’t wasted a second. Hugh is studying a Bachelor of Business/Commerce and secured his place as an Ambassador within weeks of beginning university. He also keeps busy with a wide range of sporting clubs, the Transformer Hub and the Student Investment Club. Hugh aims to “learn and develop his skills through the ambassador program and meet new people from different backgrounds in the process”. Understandably, Hugh isn’t yet sure of his 10-year goal. As shown by his many talents, Hugh shows great potential and his possibilities between now and then are endless.
 - Reece Jackson graduated from Marymount College and began his Bachelor of Journalism at Bond in September 2018. He is an active member of the Journalism Student Society and is continually seeking new opportunities where he can. Reece’s goal within the program is to “reach out to students who were originally from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to stick with this fantastic city”. He also hopes to create a strong network on the Gold Coast by the end of the program. In 10 years’ time, Reece sees himself as a political or cultural journalist, fulfilling his dream of keeping transparency within the government.
The Mayor’s Student Ambassador program, which is run by Study Gold Coast, offers recipients the opportunity to represent the student community on the Gold Coast, manage a budget to create student led programs and events, and to participate in professional development workshops. For more information on the program, and how to get involved, visit Study Gold Coast.