Why a student club was the cherry on top of graduate's university experience

Connecting with social groups during Stella Wingti's time at Charles Darwin University (CDU) marked the difference between being just another student and being a member of a vibrant community.

The Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) student from Papua New Guinea is one of more than 1500 graduands being conferred during the 2026 September graduations at the University's Casuarina Campus.

Miss Wingti joined CDU’s Women’s Collective for Innovation and Change when it was established in 2021, initially serving as Secretary before later serving as President in 2023.

"I'm naturally a very shy person, so getting involved with a student group such as the Women's Collective put me out of comfort zone," she said.

"It's definitely changed me from who I used to be before moving to Australia.

"If I could give one piece of advice to new students, it would be to join a group, no matter how big or small. It gives you something to be a part of outside your studies, and reminds you that you're not alone."

She said the Collective was launched to promote gender equality, and became known across campus for its mental health and self-empowerment related events, such as self-defense classes.  

From an academic perspective, Miss Wingti credited her course coordinator, lecturers, and CDU library staff to her success.

In particular, she said support from her course coordinator during periods of self-doubt or uncertainty around her major made her time as a university student smoother.  

"I had a very difficult and stressful time in my third year, but with the encouragement and support from university staff, especially my course coordinator, I was able to get through that year," Miss Wingti said.

With her future ahead of her, Miss Wingti now hopes to get some real-world experience under her belt, and has ambitions to start her own business.