Renee Medland
My Achievements
While I have had many wonderful and enlightening opportunities throughout my life. The experiences below are ones I have chosen to showcase as they have shaped me into the professional I am today, and continue to inspire me to achieve the best I can.
Bachelor of Environmental Science
- with Distinction
In December 2022, I got dressed in my robe, mortarboard and the biggest smile I could muster, and walked across the stage to receive the final piece of evidence for the last three years. I now own my Bachelor of Environmental Science, with Distinction and a major in Soil and Water Science. To say it was easy would be a lie, but it was inspiring, engaging, incredibly fun, and challenging in the best way. I cannot say I did it on my own; I was consistently supported by family, friends, university alumni, and industry professionals - to whom I will be forever grateful. I know they are all proud of my accomplishments, but most importantly...I am proud of my accomplishments and look forward to the road ahead.
University Council
In an effort to contribute to the university which has supported me for many years, I applied and was elected as the undergraduate member of the University Council for a three-year period from the 28th of October 2021. This is a welcomed step, far outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to further develop my interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills. I plan to seek out a mentor from the Council to assist me in my transition into my new role, and I will take the time to reflect on every part of this enriching and enlightening experience.
Academic Excellence
The first year of my degree brought the challenge of complete remote learning and lack of social engagement while also maintaining a positive household. It was far from easy, but it was enjoyable and rewarding. The structure of my degree changed throughout the three years, each change bringing new challenges. At the end of each year, I was awarded for my academic excellence, which was highlighted by my ability to maintain an exceptional GPA of 6.8 out of 7.
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Environment PLUS Program
During the Environment PLUS workshops, I identified and evidenced my key skills and personal attributes, began to understand what my future career might involve, and started articulating who I am and what I do. Identifying and understanding the skills I need, and skills I already possess, was crucial for the creation of future goals.
To achieve this award, I was required to write complete reflections based on each of the workshops, highlighting what I learned and how I plan to implement my new or improved knowledge. The ways I implemented the knowledge was by improving my LinkedIn profile and presence, updating my resume, creating a cover letter of a high standard, and developing this e-portfolio.
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I plan to continue to develop my confidence, skills and overall professional development through a wide variety of activities, including consistent reflections, and interactions with industry professionals.
Industry Mentoring Program
During my time participating in this program, I had a very supportive and knowledgeable mentor, Dr Evan Thomas. Evan is the Science Leader of Soil and Land Resources at the Queensland Department of Environment and Science. Job-shadowing, and contributing in meetings alongside Evan has provided much insight on the workings of the department. I have now established a strong relationship with Evan, and secured both volunteering and contract work as a result of demonstrating my professionalism, knowledge, enthusiasm and capability. Not only have I established a connection with Evan, but I have also developed connections with other staff in the department, connections within the industry is something I truly value.
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A huge thank you to Evan for taking me on board as a mentee! I now feel confident in my ability to engage with Industry Professionals, and I endeavour to maintain these relationships and contribute to any projects the department needs an extra set of professional and capable hands.
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Peer Mentoring
My time spent as a mentor at Griffith University enhanced my interpersonal and intercultural skills while connecting with, and assisting, mentees from various cultures and stages of their lives. I further developed my ability to be an effective communicator and team member during collaborative meetings with mentees by utilising multiple forms of communication; including text, images, videos, music during both in-person and online meetings.
Not only did I feel personal satisfaction by helping fellow Griffith University students, I also gained more confidence and ethical awareness, demonstrated respect and integrity, and understood the value of furthering my personal development and leadership skills.
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Achieving the MentoringPLUS badge meant that I participated in numerous additional activities - demonstrating my initiative and dedication. Training modules I completed included the MATE Bystander Program, Safe Campuses, and LGBTI Awareness. These additional non-compulsory modules equipped me with the skills required to support my peers from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of situations.
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Throughout the remainder of my time at Griffith University, I plan to continue as a peer mentor, and assist with events being held on campus. This will further enhance my interpersonal skills, confidence, and ethical awareness as we begin to invite international students back to Australia.
