Susan Knight, a passionate volunteer and community connector, is driven by a desire to leave a positive mark on the world. Inspired by her daughter’s generous spirit, Susan is keen to help commonkind develop the next generation of volunteers as our Operations Advisor. From her early days playing cricket with her brothers and baking with her mum, to her first volunteering experience supporting newly arrived families through St Vincent De Paul, Susan has always found joy in connection. These days, she finds balance through hikes with her besties and dancing nights out with her girlfriends. Over a ginger beer, she shares how kindness and community keep her going.
Question 1: Why did you join commonkind?
I was inspired by my daughter. She has such a kind and giving heart and loves being able to help others. She introduced me to commonkind and I just loved the opportunities that are provided to help shape the next generation of volunteers.
Question 2: What were you like as a child?
As the youngest of three, and the only girl, I was definitely the favourite child 🙂 I loved being outdoors, playing football and cricket with my brothers, and helping my mum bake.
Susan in Grade 3 at her birthday party, Brisbane.
Question 3: What was your first volunteering experience?
Just after finishing high school, I volunteered with St Vincent De Paul with my school friends. We worked with young people and families who had recently migrated to Australia from war torn countries. Our purpose was to introduce these young people to others in the community, so they would feel comfortable, connected, and safe in a new country.
Question 4: What has been your most memorable volunteering experience?
Volunteering with St Vincent De Paul allowed me to connect with people who have had an extremely tough life, experiencing things that were unimaginable to me. That experience really moved me.
Question 5: What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your LinkedIn profile) and what did you learn from the experience?
My first job was at a bakery. Working in a customer-facing role taught me the importance of connecting with others, and how little things, such as remembering someone’s name and order, can actually brighten their day.
Question 6: What do you do for fun?
I love playing touch football, family bike rides, and nights out dancing with my girlfriends.
Question 7: What motivates you?
I really aim to leave a positive mark on the world.
Question 8: How do you practice self-compassion?
Each week I try to make time for a hike with my besties. Taking the time to be outdoors, active, and in great company is one of my favourite parts of my week.
Question 9: If you could give children and young people one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make the most of any situation, remember to have fun, and don’t be so hard on yourself.
Question 10: What is your most used emoji?
