BCom student Bruce Smith honoured by Government of South Australia

Bachelor of Commerce student Bruce Smith was recently honoured by the Government of South Australia as International Student of the Year in the category of Community Engagement. Smith, who is in his third year of the program with a concentration in International Business, has been studying through an international exchange at the University of South Australia in Adelaide.

“I think it’s really important for students to get involved in the community because it’s an opportunity to use your gifts and talents to improve the life of someone else. And at the end of the day, isn’t that the point?” says Smith.  “What people remember is how we impacted their lives, and the lives of others, and how we created joy wherever you went. As a university student especially, you have so many gifts and talents that could make an enormous difference in the lives of many people.”

During his time in Adelaide, Smith has been working for the Government of South Australia as an International Student Ambassador. His role is to market South Australia as a study destination for international students, as well as to organize and host social events that bring together international students in Adelaide. Several of these events attracted hundreds of international students.

He has also dedicated a lot of time to volunteering with local charitable organizations. He is a member of the “Edge Assist Street Team” that brings hot food, coffee and water to people who are living and working on the streets in Adelaide. He also works with the Childhood Cancer Association of South Australia to support their fundraising efforts.

Smith, who had been struggling with depression, believes that giving back to the community has helped him. “As soon as I started doing Street Care, the realization began to hit me that I can help people and that serving others was helping me with my depression as well. The more I did, the better I felt, and my heart has changed incredibly,” says Smith.  “I really do believe that caring for others is not a chore, but a privilege and an honour, and I feel incredibly honoured every time someone allows me to help them. Many of these people are quite vulnerable, so letting someone else in isn’t easy, and it makes me feel very special that they allow me into their lives.”

You can learn more about Bruce’s experiences in Australia through his blog.