Alumna Ameera Jade Gorman (Class of ‘13) works as a Team Leader at CBG Research, a government research center in Auckland, New Zealand. In her daily work, she has been on the frontline as part of the New Zealand government’s response to Covid-19.
Ameera, please tell us more about your current job.
I am currently working with the Ministry of Health in New Zealand as Team Leader, looking after teams who are responsible for Contact Tracing and Managed Isolation Facilities. We work quickly and efficiently to manage and mitigate the risk of spread in the community.
Whether it be calling somebody who has been exposed and telling them to self-isolate, or just checking in to see how people are coping in isolation, every part of the process is important in the overall picture. It is an extremely important task that we have been given and I take pride in being able to say I have been a part of keeping this beautiful country safe.
What are the challenges that you face in your current job, and how do you manage to overcome them?
Of course there is always the fear of another outbreak or another cluster being found in the community, but as long as I remember what my role is and how my decisions and efforts could save many lives, that is all the motivation I need.
What motivates you in your daily routine?
Knowing that every decision I make could affect the spread of COVID19 in New Zealand is a huge motivating factor as I love this country and the people. (It really is the most beautiful place in the world!) We report back to the cabinet daily and seeing updates from the PM and Health Ministers is quite exciting knowing they are talking about us and the difference we’re making.
Any advice/tips to everyone, especially to the GIS community on how to stay safe?
Listen to the health advice of professionals, wear your masks, wash your hands all the time and stay within your bubble. We’re lucky enough to live in a time where we can stay connected through the internet, so make sure you are utilising that to stay in touch with family and friends as these are difficult and unprecedented times.
Ameera, can you tell us about your journey after GIS?
I started my BA at the Monash campus in Kuala Lumpur before moving to Melbourne and finishing my third year there. I worked in many roles whilst at university: hospitality, sales and for an Australian infrastructure company.
What are your fondest memories whilst at GIS?
There are too many fond memories! CCAs, the drama faculty and the yearly play (I was Marty in Grease) and being a part of International Week is something I will truly never forget. What a blessing to grow up surrounded by humans from so many different backgrounds. Being able to compete in FOBISSEA and SEASAC was something I will also never forget. I don’t know many people who had the opportunity to travel around South East Asia to compete for their school!
Is there anybody you would like to thank?
Well I will have to thank my parents, Mr Gorman and Miss Siobhan, as I would not have attended GIS if not for them! Some honourable mentions also go to my Year 6 teacher Miss Hibberd (now Mrs Wellington), Miss Mangin (for always being around for a laugh) and Mr Fernandes (for always being lovely and welcoming.)
Finally, do you have any advice for current students?
Really enjoy your time at GIS! Utilise all they provide to you as a student, whether it’s joining a sports team and going to SEASAC or the debating club and beating Alice Smith (teehee); just lap it up because time flies and GIS will always be a highlight of your life!
Thank you, Ameera, for sharing this truly inspiring work. To find out more about other inspiring Alumni stories, click here.
Do you have a story to share? We always love hearing from our GIS Alumni. Do get in touch if you would like to showcase your work. You can do this via Facebook or LinkedIn, or by emailing us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my, because every story matters.