A volunteering role at a Canning Vale workplace has opened an unexpected opportunity for 19-year-old Miqhael Cruz.
Miqhael, who is studying Interior Architecture at Curtin University, first joined Good Sammy’s head office to gain experience and build confidence while at university.
“My mum suggested that I volunteer at Good Sammy head office, as they needed volunteers,” he said.
“I saw it as being a great way to gain new skills, build my confidence and experience as a young person, and help me with my future career, work and personal ambitions.”
Working at the front reception, Miqhael meets and greets visitors, assists with enquiries and supports day-to-day office tasks.
“I meet and greet visitors and help them with their enquiries, checking into our office as well as some office administrative tasks such as emails, office filing, post and parcel sorting and some customer service enquiries on the phone,” he said.
Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, Miqhael said he has learned to adapt to everyday life in his own way.
“I have learned to not really view myself as a person with a disability,” he said.
“I have adapted to balance, walk normally, play soccer, type, write and drive a car like most people.”
He said volunteering has helped him grow in confidence and develop new skills.
“I have gained much more confidence, a sense of belonging, enjoyment, purpose and love for helping others,” he said.
“I have learned how to prioritise, manage multiple tasks, communicate with the public and many office staff at Canning Vale.”
That experience led to an unexpected opportunity during a refurbishment project at the Good Sammy office.
“When I was interviewed for my volunteering role, they knew that I was studying Interior Architecture so our volunteering manager asked me if I would be interested in working as an intern for the organisation that designed our new Good Sammy head office,” he said.
“Being a volunteer, has already created more opportunities and pathways that I never really thought could happen so quickly.”
Miqhael said he was “very excited” when the connection turned into an internship.
“I didn’t realise how volunteering could create pathways for me so quickly and complement my study,” he said.
Through the experience, he has been able to apply what he is learning at university in a real-world setting.
“I have learned how a simple act of volunteering has created so many opportunities for me, my career goals, life skills experience as well as just fast tracking all the theory of university course work with the practical on the job experiences,” he said.
Good Sammy volunteering manager Sarah Dougall said Miqhael had stood out during his time with the organisation.
“He is a remarkable young man who takes on diverse duties with determination,” she said.
“His ambition and kindness are admirable, and he is a role model to others on the power of volunteering as a pathway to employment, especially young people like Miqhael.”
Ms Dougall said Good Sammy’s volunteering programs aim to create opportunities for people to build skills and confidence.
“Our aim is simple: to strengthen communities by empowering people of all abilities and creating environments where everyone can succeed,” she said.
Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams said volunteering continues to play an important role across the state.
“Volunteering is what keeps communities connected and moving,” she said.
“It brings people together around a shared purpose, whether that’s supporting a local cause, responding to emergencies, or simply showing up for one another.”
She said stories like Miqhael’s help show the impact volunteering can have.
“Miqhael’s volunteering story helps show the impact people can make at a personal level, to the organisations they support, and the wider community,” she said.
For Miqhael, the message is to “just give it a go and try it out,” he said.
