I would highly recommend USLS to other students. It’s wonderful to connect with others, not only in the Sydney Uni delegation but also with peers from around the world, many of whom you can keep in touch with afterwards.

As for advice, I would say definitely apply! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. In your application, highlight your social, professional, and volunteering experiences, and explain what made them meaningful to you. Share what you learned from them, the values you hold, the social issues you care about, and how you can represent Sydney Uni to the world to the best of your ability.

The key skill I acquired from USLS was discovering my inner voice and using that firsthand through deep and meaningful conversations. The week was full of fulfillment being unapologetically me, taking up space without guilt, and affirming that the power of youth matters, our actions are important, no matter how big or small, and that small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness make a difference.

Entering a space where music students were a minority was quite different to my daily life, and it truly showcased the impact musicians and performers have in public spaces, and reminded me of why I chose to continue my studies in music.

USLS became a safe space for me to practice my conversational, and listening skills, and deepen my understanding of the human condition. It affirmed my belief that we are all different yet the same. USLS reassured me that having a ‘half glass full’ perspective, an optimistic outlook on life is not naive or innocent, and we can make the world a better place, one small change at a time.

The standout moment for me during USLS was meeting refugee children.

Despite everything they had been through, their kindness, maturity, and resilience left a lasting impression on me. On a personal level, it challenged me to rethink what true strength and hope look like. Their ability to smile, connect, and care for others, even in the face of adversity, inspired me deeply.

Professionally, it solidified my desire to use my engineering and leadership skills in service of people. It reminded me that the ultimate purpose of my work should be to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, especially for communities that are vulnerable or overlooked.

A standout moment for me during USLS was hearing leaders speak so unapologetically about resilience and the courage to act, even in the face of hesitation or failure. It reminded me that ideas only move the needle when someone takes responsibility for execution, and that inaction has just as many consequences as risk-taking. Personally, this grounded me in the importance of being present and persistent, and professionally it gave me the confidence to lead with tenacity, knowing that hardship makes success more meaningful.

I would recommend USLS to any student because it challenges you to think bigger while grounding you in your own values. It shows you that leadership starts with leading yourself, and from there, you can influence others. My advice for future applicants is to come with curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to act on your ideas and because the world doesn’t just need thinkers, it needs people who are alive to their purpose and ready to take action.

I learnt that despite the emphasis on importance of a personal story to relate to the issues that you care about, it is best to take action on an issue that you may not resonate with and seek meaningful change, than to not act to avoid the fear of being criticized for not having an authentic connection and experience of the issue itself. There are so many issues within the world today that are worth the attention and care of those concerned and passionate, even if you haven't lived them.

I'd recommend any student apply who has some great ideas on projects they want to pursue that will lead to meaningful and productive change within the community, as USLS is the best place to ask questions, get advice and make connections with others who are equally as keen and passionate to get things started.

I definitely recommend USLS to everyone, and I would simply advise to just apply - don’t overthink it and don’t feel like you don’t have enough on your CV to get in, because you might surprise yourself. This is a one-time opportunity, so take your chances I’d say.

The standout moment of USLS for me was the speeches, especially one of the speakers talking about an issue close to me as well as speaking myself too, and the tear-jerking moments, that were many. It allowed me to reflect on myself and develop this growth mindset that I don’t know my potential until I try.