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Aparna Nithyanand was Highly Commended in theÌýCommunity EngagementÌýcategory of StudyÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's International Student Awards.

From India, Aparna recently completed her Masters in Engineering (Mechanical) at the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's North Terrace campus.Ìý

During her time in ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ, Aparna has engaged with the community through volunteering and cultural events. She was heavily involved in the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University Rotaract Club (AURC), and also coordinated volunteers for the 2021 Thai Festival, IndoFest, and BioR - where AURC has planted over one thousand saplings in the past two years.Ìý

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Tell us about your International Student Award.

As part of the ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ University Rotaract Club, I was Membership Director (2020) and Community Services Director (2021). During this time, I volunteered at aÌývariety of community and cultural organisations. I also organised volunteering opportunities for university students to get involved with the local community, and hosted multiple networking events for students to connect with their peers and the community.

I was also the stage manager for AURC's Cultural Night 2021, which is South Australia’s largest youth-led multicultural event. As part of this, I managed performers from diverse cultural community groups as we raised money for the charity No Barriers Education Foundation Inc.

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What is your goal once you have completed your degree?

I aim to work as a mechanical engineer in the manufacturing and production sectors. In the future, I hope to work in a managerial position, as I enjoy working with people and leading a team.

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What do you miss about your home country?

Being surrounded by friends and family.Ìý

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Quickfire questions!

Zoom or in-person?

In-person classes and meetings.

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ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ Hills or ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's beaches?

Hands down ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ's beaches.

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Home delivery or home-cooked?

A mix of both.

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3 things you won't miss about COVID-19 restrictions?

• Staying home all day during lockdowns.
• Zoom meetings.
• Travel restrictions.

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3 things you won't forget about COVID-19?

• Online exams.
• Mandatory masks.
• The importance of checking on the wellbeing of others and self.