Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Karina
We asked one of our Inspiring volunteers, Karina, to share why she got involved with Inspiring the Future and what she loves about inspiring young people through the program.
How long have you been an Inspiring the future volunteer?
I started to volunteer with Inspire the Future Australia in 2021
What made you want to sign up to volunteer with Inspiring the Future?
I wanted to show students that you do not have to be “born into it” to become a successful lawyer by sharing my own experience.
What is it about volunteering with Inspiring the Future that you really enjoy?
I really enjoy giving the students something to think about, and inspiring them to believe in themselves
Has your career journey taken the path you imagined it would?
Not at all. When I was finishing school, I thought I wanted to be an international corporate lawyer. Being a Wills & Estates practitioner could not be more different! I moved out of home at a young age, and was fortunate to get a job at a small general practice in the Inner West, as a legal secretary in my third year of university. It gave me the most valuable experience and allowed me to figure out the areas of law I enjoyed and those I did not. I realised I preferred personal services to corporate lifestyle.
What is something about your career journey that has surprised you?
In the most recent years I have been given an opportunity to develop my leadership skills and to co-lead a team, which surprisingly I have really enjoyed. I love being able to support my colleagues and believe that together we are much stronger and can achieve a lot more.
What is one piece of advice that you would share with young people today?
Know your value but be humble. Don’t give up just because something does not go perfectly according to plan. Approach problems as a problem solving exercise, and ask for help when needed. It is a sign of insight, not weakness.
