Alicia Bunge
BA Asian Studies & Japanese
Alicia has been an outstanding volunteer for many
student support services on campus and has also
connected well with the Wellington community. She has
an active interest in self-development and took advantage
of the opportunities to attend skills workshops to improve
her employability. She is a committed, caring and
compassionate leader who takes responsibility for
delivering goals and tasks.
“The Victoria Plus Programme gave me the motivation
to become more involved, taught me skills and provided
valuable lessons that I will carry on into my professional
career.”
Community volunteering with Wellington Zoo helped
Alicia improve her team working and decision making skills while remaining flexible.
She was able to integrate these skills into many roles on campus and could be relied
on to have an energetic and positive attitude when supporting other international
students in a variety of roles during Victoria International Orientation events. She
developed confidence in expressing ideas and demonstrated high levels of
interpersonal skills as a Language Buddy, KiwiMate and ELTO Buddy as well as being
a regular contributor to Student Recruitment events.
Extending herself into leadership roles was both enjoyable and challenging for Alicia.
As a Class Representative, Campus Coach and New Student Orientation worker she
was required to be a friendly, engaging problem-solver and work well with others.
Starting in the role of Disability Services Note-taker, she later moved into the role of
Disability Services Team Leader, adapting her team working and communication
style. Furthermore she provided academic mentoring as a Te Pūtahi Atawhai mentor,
learning how to motivate her mentees.
She attended well over the number of required professional and personal
development workshops, absorbing the knowledge and enjoying meeting a wide
network of people. She also completed the Victoria International Leadership
Programme and reflected on the Global Leadership Seminar.
Alicia is looking forward to completing her Honours degree at Victoria next year and
thinking more about her career direction.