Danika shares her many-stringed bow

Bubbly, dedicated, helpful and kind-hearted are just a couple of adjectives to describe Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School media coordinator Danika Wellington.

At only 21 years of age, Danika is an impressive young woman whose dedication to all tasks has previously earned her a university scholarship, a North American exchange, a coveted job in one of the top South West schools and even a finalist spot in the Top 100 Graduate Employers and Future Leaders of Australia.

Danika’s story starts off in Harvey where she spent much of her youth outdoors, playing sports and enjoying small town life where neighbours were friends and strangers were rare.

During her time at Harvey Senior High School, Danika scored an opportunity to work a communications-related role at Alcoa which developed her interest in public relations and marketing.

Her hard work at school and internships paid off not long after as she graduated Dux and was granted Curtin University’s most generous and prestigious John Curtin undergraduate scholarship.

“The scholarship was really helpful in the move up to Perth – it was scary enough going to a big city having come from a regional life,” Danika said.

“I was able to live on campus and meet like-minded people which helped my transition a great deal.”

No doubt making friends quickly and adjusting to life in a new city as a university student, Danika then set her sights further around the world and trekked to North America for six months at Ohio State University which she describes as an “unforgettable experience”.

“I learnt so much by working with people, building good relationships and seeing how public relations and marketing works over there.”

After experiencing the American lifestyle, Danika returned with even more determination and passion for her course which led to her finishing up with numerous awards for Best in Marketing, Best in Public Relations and Best Student in the School of Marketing.

“More than just being studious, I just really enjoyed my course which made me committed to my studies.

“I don’t do anything half-hearted either – my motto is if you want to do something, put in a 110 per cent.”

Following on from her time abroad and in Perth, the next stage of Danika’s life began with the decision to come home.

“I had been to America and uni in Perth so it felt like it was time to move back down and have that regional lifestyle again.

“I’m definitely a regional person, it’s why I enjoy public relations because I’ve grown up knowing my neighbours and being a part of that community feel regional areas like Bunbury and Harvey are known for.”

Those who have the pleasure of knowing or working with Danika will happily agree she is a motivated, well-rounded and generous woman whose modesty, despite her accolades, makes her a magnet for success.

Potentially destined for big things with her can-do attitude and commitment, Danika’s preference to be grounded is admirable as she also enjoys whiling away time volunteering with the Red Cross, visiting the elderly and fundraising for the Leukaemia Foundation – all in the name of “just giving back to the community that raised me”.

“There’s always someone doing more and always something more to be done.

“I have my fingers in lots of pies because I like to do whatever I can for the betterment of my community.”

Dabbling in social netball and water-skiing in her spare time while doing what she loves as grammar’s people-person, Danika is more than content with her life but looks to the future with positivity.