Sasha Sri Deenathayalan often thinks how amazed her younger self would be if she could meet her now. Since migrating to regional Victoria from Malaysia in 2010, the Deakin student and George Alexander Foundation scholar has overcome language and social barriers and family hardship to become a ‘public servant by day, law student by night’.
‘If I told my younger self that I would become involved in the community, attend one of the best universities in Australia and get a scholarship from The George Alexander Foundation she would be incredibly surprised,’ Sasha says.
Now in her final year of a double degree in Law and International Studies, majoring in politics, Sasha is planning to pursue a career in human rights and is already working as a court officer in the Federal Court of Australia.
‘I chose to study these degrees in combination so I can learn to challenge the law and so I could help vulnerable people navigate their legal rights,’ she says.
Planting seeds to grow big trees
For two decades, The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has empowered talented students like Sasha from rural and regional areas to study at Deakin, helping them overcome barriers to higher education and achieve their potential.
The late George Alexander, an inventor, entrepreneur and lifelong learner, established the Foundation in 1972 as a way to share his wealth and give back to the community. George believed in ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’. Over the past 20 years, George Alexander Foundation scholars at Deakin have upheld his dream, going on to make a positive impact on communities around the world.
Sasha credits being awarded a George Alexander Foundation Scholarship in her first year at Deakin for helping her ‘become my best academic self at university as well as continue to be involved in community and sport services in my area’.
‘The scholarship has enabled me to pursue the things I love,’ she says simply.
‘Small actions equal big change’
In her time at Deakin, Sasha says she’s tried to embody George Alexander’s ideals by planting her own seeds to grow into big trees, seeking out opportunities for advocacy and leadership and living up to her own central philosophy that ‘small actions equal big change’.
‘My favourite experience was being President of the Deakin Law Students Society Geelong,’ she shares.
‘This role really made me reflect on my leadership approaches, and how I problem solve difficult issues.
‘I think one of the most important things about being a leader is that you’re in a position to change the way people view leadership.
‘I’ve always wanted to challenge the status quo and question why things have always been done a certain way. I wanted to plant the seeds of empathy, friendliness and vulnerability in every team I lead. I hope these seeds will guide my team into becoming leaders of teams that are well connected, motivated and include people who are genuine friends,’ she says.
During her time at Deakin, Sasha completed a short-term exchange in the Czech Republic in International Law and Human Rights and was last year recognised for her contributions to the community through the Deakin Hallmark: Excellence in Leadership and the Global Citizenship Program Award. As a founding member of the Rotary Youth Projects Alumni, she coordinates initiatives that bring young people into community service and support local and international humanitarian projects.
‘Deakin has shown me the importance of community, that it’s not a far-fetched dream to get a job in the law where you get to help people, and that the people you meet could be the ones that help you get there,’ she says.
‘If there’s any path I want to take after graduation, wherever I end up I hope I have the opportunity to pass down the same wisdoms I’ve been told throughout my time in law school at Deakin.’
About The George Alexander Foundation
The George Alexander Foundation, administered by The Ian Potter Foundation, focuses on supporting access to education for promising young people, particularly those from rural and remote areas. The Foundation aims to help overcome barriers and make it possible for talented students to achieve their potential and go on to contribute to the Australian community.
The Foundation established its scholarship programs in 2002 and currently operates 12 active scholarship programs in partnership with 11 universities, including Deakin, and one TAFE institute.
The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has supported high achieving rural and regional recent VCE students to study at Deakin since 2006, helping to relieve the financial stress of higher education. Over 20 years, the Foundation has supported over 100 Deakin students through a total contribution of $1,990,500.