Where are they now?
My High School Years
My name is Christina Alkhamisi. I graduated from Cecil Hills High School in 2012. I have always had a
passion for law, particularly human rights law and assisting those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. I had a passion for advocacy and engaged in the school’s debating and public speaking programs.
In Year 11 and 12, I studied very hard so I could make a career out of my passion and start my law degree. My hard work paid off and I got accepted to study law at University after high school.
Following my passion after high school
Whilst undertaking my law degree, I took pro-active steps to advance my passion by volunteering at a number of organisations that promote social justice and the protection of human rights including the Legal Aid Commission NSW, the Australian Law Reform Commission, Blacktown Local Court’s Pro Bono Program, Justice Connect, the Federal Court of Australia’s International Programs Unit and United Nations Youth Australia.
One of my proudest achievements is being accepted to undertake an International Human Rights Law course at the University of Oxford (UK), one of the leading universities in the world.
Achievements
After five long years of study, I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours. After finishing my Bachelor’s degree, I undertook my Masters of Laws at the University of Sydney. My achievements did not come easy, it took a lot of hard work, sweat, tears and sleepless nights but it was worth it.
Where I am today
I am currently working as a lawyer with the Legal Aid Commission of NSW. Legal Aid is a government funded organisation which provides legal advice and representation to socially and economically disadvantaged peoples and communities. My role focuses on working with young people aged 12–24 years with their legal issues, prioritising marginalised, homeless and ‘at risk' young people. In this field I can see that the work I do makes a difference in people’s lives. I make a difference which is very rewarding. There were many times I doubted myself but my family, friends and teachers at Cecil Hills High School believed in me, and that has made all the difference to me and where I am today.
Full circle
It is amazing to think that just 7 years ago, I was a student at Cecil Hills High School, nervous about my next step in life. Little did I know, with a little hard work and dedication, life would bring me back full circle where I’ll be presenting in the very school I was educated in at the end of this year, representing Legal Aid. With the skills and knowledge you get in this very school, mixed with a ton of grit, who knows, maybe life will bring you back full circle too.
Christina Alkhamisi