In profile: Erica Whitby
Q & A with Erica Whitby, Service Learning Coordinator
What do you like best about your current role?
I have the best job in the world! My favourite part of the role is seeing students discover a passion, or gain a new perspective. It makes me especially happy and proud when a student talks about wanting a career with one of the organisations they’ve connected with during their experience with the Service Learning program. I also really enjoy chatting to the students while we’re out volunteering, and hearing about their lives.
What can you tell us about your role and current projects?
My role involves organising and leading excursions for students to volunteer for a variety of organisations. Last week, I spent time with a group of Year 9 students at RSPCA ACT, learning about animal welfare, playing with puppies to help socialise the animals prior to their adoption, and making enrichment toys for the dogs to play with while they’re living at the shelter.
There are Service Learning activities happening almost every day, and I am often taking students to:
- visit Cranleigh School and Black Mountain School to participate in classroom activities alongside young people with a disability
- learn from Ngunnawal custodians about the importance of caring for country, with Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural Services
- assist at Lifeline Canberra Bookfairs (there’s one on this weekend, if you’re interested!)
- mix a soil-enhancing garden product made from donated coffee waste products at Grind to Ground
- make and serve lunch for people who are doing it tough, at St John’s Care in Reid
- sort, clean and package donated goods for families in need, at Roundabout.
The list goes on but basically, the job is to create opportunities for our students to connect, grow and give back. It’s different every day and never boring.
What did you do before joining the Radford community?
I worked at Lifeline Canberra for many years before starting at Radford in 2021. I had a variety of roles at Lifeline, mostly training the volunteer telephone crisis supporters in Mental Health First Aid, domestic violence response and suicide intervention. I also ran similar education programs for schools, corporate clients, and government departments. I am a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.
What do you enjoy outside Radford?
When I’m not at work, I love being outdoors. You’ll find me running, hiking or picnicking in the sun most weekends, often with my three kids in tow.
Anything else interesting you might like to add?
I’m currently studying my Master of Primary Teaching, so you might see me around the Junior School more in years to come.