Zane Sharma wasn’t looking to become president of a university society when he walked through the stalls at O Week on his second day at Macquarie. His only mindset was to embrace every opportunity that came his way, say yes to everything and work it out from there. 

His receptive attitude and interest in volunteering began when he undertook a community service trip in high school with the Crossroads Foundation, co-founded by Macquarie alumni Sally Begbie. The trip to Vietnam and Hong Kong for charitable work ignited his passion for philanthropy.  

“We built two houses in Vietnam.” he says. “It was quite gruelling work but very rewarding. In Hong Kong, we did things like sorting clothes and goods to send to people in need around the world.” 

When he came across the Macquarie University Philanthropy Club and was asked to choose the cause he connected with most, he impressed club members when he chose education and quoted Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

“They really liked it,” says Zane, “and then they asked if I would like to be president of the club, and I said ‘okay’.” 

With his good friend Harrison Knights as treasurer, Zane formed a leadership team, and the club held numerous events. One of their most successful events was Paint for Purpose, which raised funds for MindSpot, a free national online mental health clinic and part of MQ Health. But when COVID hit, they had to adapt and transition to online events. 

As things began to return to normal, the club focused on addressing one of the major concerns of most members – the mental health of students and the loneliness and isolation that many experienced during the pandemic. The club held regular ‘Wholesome Hangouts’, encouraging people to meet at Ubar for free pizza and the opportunity to socialise with students.  

“Every time we ran the event, it was a success and helped students to socialise in a friendly environment with no pressure or expectations apart from meeting people,” says Zane. 

When asked what advice he would give students, Zane says, “Pursue every opportunity you can, whether it’s handed to you or something you can actively pursue – not only for the inherent reward through doing good but also for yourself and for your own résumé. 

“You’ll not only be helping others but yourself as well. It may be a little bit of extra work, but it’s rewarding and fun.” 

Now in his fourth year of a double degree, Zane is stepping down as president. He will count the experience he has gained through the club, and the friends he has made, as one of the most rewarding aspects of his time at university. 

“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be the president of the Philanthropy Club – to do something good and have the power to make a difference.”