Leonie Nahhas: NCP Scholar 2016

Leonie Nahhas studied a Bachelor of Arts – Psychology and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Macquarie University between 2015-2019. She was selected as an NCP Scholar in 2016 and was the NCP Alumni Ambassador for Macquarie in 2017-2018.

Why did you apply for the NCP Scholarship Program and what made your application successful?

I applied for the NCP Scholarship Program for many reasons. I wanted an opportunity to experience local immersion in our region, to appreciate how Asia has historically contributed to Australia’s development, to establish meaningful, lifelong connections with local communities and key stakeholders in the field of mental health and education, and to contribute to the region’s sustainable development goals as part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Importantly, I wanted to become a more informed global citizen equipped with Asia literacy skills, in order to do my part in advancing the academic, social, and cultural ties between Australia and our region.

My application was successful because it articulated my purpose or ‘why’ behind applying for the NCP Scholarship Program and how my personal goals align with and will contribute to the goals of the Program. Knowing your purpose or ‘why’ sets you on a on a meaningful NCP trajectory, it becomes your driving motivator that aligns your active pursuits with your long-term vision. It also helps to focus your efforts on what matters most, compelling you to take on challenges that will stretch you as much as they inspire you.

What were the highlights of your NCP experience?

While I have had an unparalleled academic experience during my time in Singapore, I have had equally important practical engagements across the region. With the support of the NCP, I pursued five community development projects targeting the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development in the areas of Quality Education and Good Health and Wellbeing.

_{Photos above: Leonie in Singapore on exchange at NTU}

Such meaningful projects involved providing educational, counselling and humanitarian support to vulnerable student communities in one of the most impoverished areas of the Philippines, delivering life skills curricula to at-risk children and youth in Vietnam and rural Cambodia, and conducting psychological research on caregiver wellbeing of children with Cerebral Palsy at a rehabilitation centre for public health in Indonesia.

_{Photos above: Leonie doing volunteering projects in Vietnam, the Philippines and Cambodia.}

Inspired by such experiences, I participated in the UN Global Youth Advocate Program in Bangkok, Thailand where I worked to advance the UN’s youth engagement and advocacy efforts across the region and beyond.

_{Photos above: Leonie participating in the UN Global Youth Advocate Program}

How has your NCP experience changed you as a person and what is your advice to future applicants?

This transformative experience has left me with an ever-growing desire to contribute, serve and forge a more just, peaceful, inclusive and sustainable region. It has not only deepened my appreciation of differences, but has also left me more open to what connects us. Altogether, this NCP Scholarship program has allowed me to become a truly global citizen equipped with a strong sense of social responsibility, service leadership and vital Asia literacy skills for the 21st century.

My advice for future applicants is to take advantage of the international opportunities afforded to you at MQ. By taking a leap into the unknown and responding to opportunity, you experience your greatest breakthroughs. The NCP Scholarship Program is an invaluable opportunity to embrace what our promising region has to offer and build upon our deep legacy of cooperation, dialogue and interweaving of our people.

_{Photos above: Leonie speaking at the Asean-Australia Young Leaders Forum}