From Nervous Newcomer to Confident Leader: Keyan’s Volunteering Journey

This year, during National Student Volunteer Week (NSVW), we took the time to celebrate the positive impact of student volunteers across the country. We’re proud to spotlight Keyan, a dedicated student volunteer at Northern Adelaide Senior College (NASC) who has turned a simple café opportunity into a transformative life experience.

A Chance to Step Up

When Keyan first joined the NASC Café as a volunteer, he had never held a job, never used a coffee machine, and wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I went into the café with zero work experience. I’d never even applied for a job before,” Keyan shared. “It took me 2–3 weeks just to start wrapping my head around it.”

But what made all the difference was a leader who believed in him.

Cheryl, the café manager, offered Keyan the opportunity and support he needed, and then gave him space to grow.

“The fact that I was given that shot proved that I could improve.”

From Learning to Leading

As the weeks went by, Keyan began to build both skill and confidence. He mastered the coffee machine, memorised the menu, and soon found himself mentoring others.

“Now I know the coffee machine like the back of my hand. I’ve memorised most of the prices. I don’t even need to look at the clipboard — I just know.”

“When Cheryl’s not there, I step up. I’ve even run entire shifts.”

His leadership came naturally. One day, walking into the café just for a drink, Keyan noticed four student volunteers overwhelmed by a busy rush. Without hesitation, he jumped in, organised the team, and got things back on track.

“By the next morning, Cheryl congratulated me. That meant a lot.”

Personal Growth Beyond the Café

Keyan, who lives with autism, says volunteering has helped him develop in ways he never thought possible.

Before volunteering:

• He was quiet and reserved.
• Making friends was hard.
• Confidence in applying for jobs was low.

Now:

• He chats comfortably with teachers and students.
• He’s built strong friendships.
• He’s even helped inspire others to join the café team — including his sister.

“A few teachers have said I’ve ‘blossomed’ since working in the café.”

“The café is one of the reasons I get out of bed. It brings structure, unpredictability, and excitement. It’s controlled chaos — and I thrive in that.”

Taking the Next Step

While he once doubted whether he could get a job, Keyan never gave up. And recently, he landed his first paid role at Coles as a trolley assistant.

He now applies the confidence, customer service, and problem-solving skills he developed in the café to the workforce, feeling more prepared than ever.

“Even if I’ve just met someone, I can strike up a conversation. That never would have happened before.”

The Power of Volunteering

Keyan’s story is more than just a student success. It’s a reminder of the life-changing impact of volunteering when young people are given opportunities, guidance, and a space to grow.

“Cheryl has been an incredible mentor. She knows how I function and what I need to do the job. That made all the difference.”

We’re proud to celebrate Keyan and all the students like him, who are not only gaining new skills but also building confidence, community, and purpose through volunteering.