Hello!
My name is D’leene Douglas (She/Her), a 3rd-year Psychology student running for Guild Councillor with Illuminate. I want to be a voice for all students, especially international students like me who face unique financial, social, and emotional challenges.
International students pay double the tuition fees of domestic students, with constant yearly increases and almost no scholarship opportunities. For those of us coming from countries with weaker currencies, this burden is overwhelming. Despite excelling academically and in extracurriculars, I was denied a scholarship extension simply because of my “international” status. The only support offered? Instalments, a temporary fix that doesn’t create equity or reward hard work.
Curtin celebrates diversity on posters, but real inclusivity means equal opportunities to succeed, not asking international students to work multiple jobs to afford fees on top of the cost of living. And when the Vice Chancellor takes home over $1 million a year while students struggle, we must ask: Whose future is being invested in?
Beyond financial reform, I want to strengthen emotional and social support for international students. University should be a place of belonging. I will work with the VP of Activities to create more cultural events and initiatives, helping students celebrate their heritage, share knowledge, and feel at home while away from home.
As a former Student Union and Welfare Coordinator in Malaysia, and a Curtin Volunteers! Leader, I bring the skills and experience to turn this vision into reality.
Real inclusivity isn’t just about where we’re from.
It’s about equity.
It’s about opportunity.
It’s about building a Curtin where every student can thrive, not just survive.
If you believe in equity, inclusivity, and meaningful change:
Vote [1] D’leene Douglas for Guild Councillor!! ^0^//
Vote [1] Dylan Storer for Guild President!! ^0^//
Vote [1] Illuminate!! ^0^//