2015 young achievers year book

YOUNGACHIEVERSPROGRAM





Young Achievers ProgramSeven Years 2009 - 2015






Young Achievers ProgramSeven Years 2009 - 2015

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Young Achievers Program ManagerA girl in year 10 wants to work as a doctor. Her parents have arrived in Australia with no English, little money and no family here. How is she to find her way into the world of medicine? Or the boy whose parents work in business. He has strong aspirations to become a physiotherapist. Who is able to introduce these young people to the career they so dearly want to work in, the contacts and networks that are so helpful and the systems each young person must manoeuvre through?

I am delighted to report that over the past 7 years the Young Achievers Program (YAP) has provided mentors for 150 young people. Wow! As the YAP manager, I am so proud of this program. High achieving young people have passed through YAP with aspirations to work in psychology, human rights, fashion; to become writers, lawyers, musicians, doctors, environmentalists, engineers…..and much more. Each mentor has been instrumental in assisting their mentee to experience and understand the ins and outs of their career choice. The volunteers are extremely valued mentors. Many have been in YAP for 2 or 3 years, others for 4 to 5 years, offering their experience and friendship either to the same mentee or to a new young person each year.

The Young Achievers Mentoring and Workshop Program has grown from 10 young people in the inaugural year of 2009 to 36 high achievers in 2015. It was initiated by Philip Brass, whose foresight and belief in the benefits of mentoring to assist young people to achieve their career goals, was inspirational. None of this would have been possible without the support of the philanthropists, schools, parents, volunteers and the young people themselves.

It has been my great honour to have observed the growth of the mentees since day one and I look forward to continuing with this wonderful program.

Viv Ray YAP Manager

YearsSeven

Our Generous BenefactorsToo often in our society, young people face a range of challenges when striving to attain their goals. Our idea for the Young Achievers Program was borne from the fact that, with additional support, young people can overcome these challenges and gain the break they need to make their aspirations a reality.

With the support of their families and schools, ten young people were selected to participate in the Young Achievers Program in 2009. This number has grown each year and now in 2015 we have 36 young achievers. Each young person represented a range of different career aspirations from law and medicine through to writing and international studies. A selection process ensured that young people were chosen on the basis of their career goals and their capacity to benefit from mentoring and workshops offered during the 12 months Program.

Mentors were selected on the basis of a range of their interests and professional backgrounds and aimed to meet with each young person on a fortnightly basis. Mentors provided both social support and guidance on career goals. Workshops were offered on a monthly basis to enhance young people’s learning and development.

We had the opportunity to meet the participants at various times throughout the year and it was wonderful to gain a first hand insight into the enthusiasm and personal growth for the group.

There are many people to thank! In addition to the young people and their mentors, I thank our Steering Committee and our growing list of financial supporters who share our vision.

Also, we offer a special acknowledgement to Viv Ray, the Young Achievers Program Manager. The Program has been extremely successful under her leadership.

We look forward to the next five years for the Young Achievers Program and wish the past and present young people the very best for the future.

Philip and Vivien Brass

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Young Achievers Program 2009

Young People Mentors

1 April Susan2 Cathy Jodie3 Erin Erin4 Eunice Louise 5 Felicia Sheree 6 John Damien7 Linda Josynta 8 Michelle Nellie 9 Snehaa Kathryn10 Sophie Julia

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1 April Susan2 Cathy Jodie3 Erin Erin4 Eunice Louise 5 Felicia Sheree 6 John Damien7 Linda Josynta 8 Michelle Nellie 9 Snehaa Kathryn10 Sophie Julia

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1 Andy Brayden2 Breeana Robyn3 Caitlin Kathryn4 Cathy Jodie5 Cristy Pereena6 Darcy Michael7 Erica Andrea8 Georgia Sheree


9 James Regan10 Jasmine Brooke11 Kate Bronwyn12 Pravena Jessamine13 Rachael Giuliana14 Samuel Andrew

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1 Andy Brayden2 Breeana Robyn3 Caitlin Kathryn4 Cathy Jodie5 Cristy Pereena6 Darcy Michael7 Erica Andrea8 Georgia Sheree


9 James Regan10 Jasmine Brooke11 Kate Bronwyn12 Pravena Jessamine13 Rachael Giuliana14 Samuel Andrew

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Mentees Mentors

1 Bridget Rachel2 Caitlyn Sarah 3 Daniel Eugene4 Diwa Gabby5 Emma-Beth Anne6 Eric Jarrod7 Gabi Nadia8 Georgia Megan9 Heather Karen10 Laura Karen

Mentees Mentors

11 Lauren Shannon12 Lee-Ann Amber13 Maria Bronwyn14 Molly Andrea15 Nabat Maureen16 Natina Olivia17 Sandra Kathryn18 Vanessa Marita

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Mentees Mentors

1 Andrea Victoria2 Billy Jack3 Bridget Rachel4 Connor Robert5 Daniel Geoff7 Emily Paola6 Emma-Beth Anne8 Eric Jarrod9 Gabrielle Margot10 Iryna Kristy12 James Guy11 Judith Hannah

Mentees Mentors

13 Laura Moss14 Lee-Ann Amber15 Lucia Meribah16 Maria Bronwyn17 Melissa Dannica and Rajvir18 Michelle Claire19 Molly Andrea20 Myah Miriam21 Natasha Melanie22 Nina Jane23 Teresa Courtney24 Tharin Jess

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Mentees Mentors

1 Andrea Victoria2 Billy Jack3 Bridget Rachel4 Connor Robert5 Daniel Geoff7 Emily Paola6 Emma-Beth Anne8 Eric Jarrod9 Gabrielle Margot10 Iryna Kristy12 James Guy11 Judith Hannah

Mentees Mentors

13 Laura Moss14 Lee-Ann Amber15 Lucia Meribah16 Maria Bronwyn17 Melissa Dannica and Rajvir18 Michelle Claire19 Molly Andrea20 Myah Miriam21 Natasha Melanie22 Nina Jane23 Teresa Courtney24 Tharin Jess

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1 Aditya to be confirmed 2 Andrew Peter 3 Connor Robert 4 Daniel workshop only5 Dustin Liam 6 Emmet to be confirmed7 Erica Sophie8 Finola Elisabeth 9 Genevieve Lauren 10 India Rebecca11 Jessica Rachel 12 Joshlyn Annie 13 Juho John 14 Julie Megan15 Laura Lili16 Lewis Diako


17 Louisa Bethany18 Lucia to be confirmed19 Madeleine Megan20 Mariam Keri21 Melissa Andrea22 Mourushi Raj 23 Natasha to be confirmed24 Nuoyu (Tian Tian) Phuong 25 Pretashini Olivia 26 Radhika to be confirmed27 Renee Keleigh28 Ruby Melissa 29 Shiwa Andrea 30 Steven to be confirmed31 Vini Kathryn32 Yi Jie Tracie

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Young People Mentors Young People Mentors

1. Aaron Nick 17. Lucy Bethany 2. Alexander Eren 18. Mariam Workshops Only 3. Andrew Andrew 19. Mahi Tricia 4. Andriana Raj 20. Nina Andrea 5. Anne Courtney 21. Pat Costa 6. Billy Vilash 22. Peter David 7. Evelyn Rebecca 23. Pravik David 8. Farah Oya 24. Radhika Rachel 9. Genevieve Megan 25. Rhea Tracey 10. Jacob Peter 26. Roshini Karen 11. Jane Melissa 27. Sharon Jane 12. Juho John 28. Sophia Tanya 13. Jun Pam 29. Tara Kaavya 14. Kenneth Evan 30. Vini Kathryn 15. Larissa Jennica 31. Yi Jie Virginia 16. Louise Anne 32. Zunaira Rachel


Young People Mentors Young People Mentors

1. Adam Peter 19. Mikaela Sam 2. Aidan Roshan 20. Mikayla Natalie 3. Alanna April 21. Nav David 4. Ally Tracey 22. Nicole Sophie 5. Amelia Bridgette 23. Oscar Asmamaw 6. Elodie Aparna 24. Peter Jane 7. Emily Anne 25. Rhea Lizzie 8. Hayley Sally 26. Ricardo John 9. Jacob Michael 27. Roshini Karen 10. Jasmine Renee 28. Sierra Elissa 11. Jun Rivka 29. Sophia Fiona 12. Katherine Susan 30. Tara Workshops Only 13. Kenneth Dean 31. Tiffany Ashleigh 14. Larissa Jennica 32. Tim Jack 15. Maarisha Raj 33. Vasilia Ruth 16. Marine Megan 34. Victoria Meghan 17. Mahi Tricia 35. Yi Jie Xu Workshops Only 18. Matthew Sanka 36. Zunaira Workshops Only

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Our Longstanding Mentors

Kathryn Director of Nursing. Mentor for 5 years to Snehaa 2009, Caitlin 2010 (pictured), Sandra 2011 and 12, Vini 2013.

Andrea Fashion/Pattern maker, Manager. Mentor for 4 years to Erica 2010, Molly 2011 and 12, Melissa 2013.

Jodie Commissioning Editor. Mentor for 2 years to Cathy 2009 and 2010, and a YAP Steering Committee member.

Bronwyn Radiation Oncologist. Mentor for 2 years to Kate 2010, Maria 2011 (pictured), Member of YAP Steering Committee.

Jarrod Human Resources Manager. Mentor for 2 years to Eric 2011 and 12.

Olivia Doctor. Mentor for 2 years to Natina 2011 Pretashini 2013.

Amber Doctor. Mentor for 2 years to Lee-Ann 2011 and 12.

Rachel Doctor. Mentor for 3 years to Bridget 2011 and 2012 Jessica 2013

Anne Medical Scientist. Mentor for 2 years to Emma-Beth 2011 and 12.

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Cathy and JodieCathy

A little while ago, Jodie and I caught up for a coffee and a chat. Amongst other things, we talked about editing. Writers are sensitive beings, we laughed. While talking to Jodie, I surprised myself. The Cathy of 2009 would have never imagined herself talking about editing with any sense of self-confidence. The place I am in today is so completely different from where I thought I would be – and I love it.

When I was sixteen, Jodie was one of the many people who reassured me that what I studied or where I studied didn’t particularly matter. What mattered was that I tried and learnt things so that when I did reach an age where my decisions would undeniably influence my future, I would be well equipped to make them. We talked heaps, we asked questions, we shared ideas, and justified our opinions. She often listened to me talk about my latest interest, showed me the path to it and then gave me a little prod to set my naturally shy feet in motion. That’s the really good part of having a mentor – having someone to give you that nudge when you need it, then step back and let you get on with it, at your own pace, with your own sense of style.

BBBS is very good at nudging me out of my comfort zone and giving me the confidence to get things done. I’m currently a member of the YAP Alumni Committee, aimed at keeping past mentors and mentees in touch. It’s not an easy task – they’re all too busy achieving things all the time – but it’s incredibly inspiring to see where everyone is going and to feel connected to it all. The YAP has sent me to talk to professionals about social media, given me the self-reliance to travel to Newcastle and Tasmania to help run writing workshops and panels, it’s helped get me through to my third year of Uni and I’m sure it’ll help me get through a whole lot more. The Cathy of 2013 is incredibly pleased at her 2009 self – she took the first step, and she got lucky.

Jodie Mentor in 2009 and 2010

I was matched with Cathy in the inaugural year of the YAP in 2009 and we so enjoyed our first year that we signed up for a second twelve months. It has been a delight to see Cathy blossom from being a clever, quiet, bookish kind of girl into a clever, confident young woman, gifted at public speaking, celebrated by her peers on the editorial committee at Voiceworks and flourishing at university.

I have also enjoyed the opportunity to contribute further to the continuing success of the Program as a member of the YAP Steering Committee and as one of the interviewers for applicants to the 2013 Program. The calibre of the applicants was outstanding, and it was an excellent reminder that young people are passionate and motivated and capable and ambitious and, in many cases, determined to make the world a better place. The YAP activities and workshops have offered Cathy and her co-achievers life-skills, new experiences, friendships and a sense of community beyond the sphere of their family and friends – and through their relationship with their mentors has opened doors to industries and careers to which they aspire. I am so proud of Cathy and her achievements, and I am extremely grateful to Philip Brass for founding the program and to Viv Ray for managing it so skilfully.

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What the Young People Say…Eunice 2009 “The future. For most of us it’s a scary thing because we have no way of knowing what’s going to happen today, next week, or even in five years time. So imagine having someone who’s been through what you’re going through. You’d want to get to know them… ask their advice. Over the course of 2009, I got to know my mentor Louise. She gave me wonderful insights into the medical profession and what it’s like to work in it. Now I am in 4th year studying medicine at Monash University.”

Andy 2010“YAP was really good. It helped me decide what I want to be. When I joined YAP, I was in this country 6 months. My mentor Brayden help me to prepare for my future. He helped me feel more confident, learn about Australian way of life and culture. We talked a lot and my English improve.”

Breana 2010“This program has helped me grow in confidence and to realise that, one day, I will achieve my dream of working in the medical profession and helping people. My mentor Robyn and I had some great and informative outings together and our relationship blossomed. Participating in workshops such as self-defence and public speaking took me out of my comfort zone, but I stepped up to the challenge and became much more confident. I met other young people, all of whom had dreams and great aspirations and would one day achieve with the help of this fantastic program.”

Darcy 2010Young Achievers has been a fantastic experience. It’s given me not only a mentor but a random skill set that I just know will one day save my life. When I first signed up I had no idea what to expect but I’m so glad I did. My mentor Michael has been a great source of inspiration for my drawings. He has shown me some awesome things and we’ve been on numerous adventures together. The most memorable outing was meeting Shaun Tan. I’d looked at his books and never thought I would meet him. YAP has been amazing.

Heather 2011“Both my mentor Karen and I love to run so it was good to finally have someone to train with and talk to about running. During our runs we talked about school and the exams or SACs I had coming up. I gained loads of

advice from her….. It was also nice to talk to someone, one on one, as that rarely happens for me... to have someone to listen to my problems. The workshops taught me skills which I probably never would have learned had I not joined the program. I’ve gained many skills and experiences and a friend and mentor who I’ll continue seeing next year. I’m extremely grateful and would like to thank you all.”

Nina 2012I wasn’t really sure about what I wanted to do when I finished high school. I was paired with my mentor Jane. Every two weeks, we explored the different possibilities in business and law. Now, because of Jane’s assistance, I am more certain about what I want to do in the future and I am looking forward to studying commerce at university. The workshops were a lot of fun as well as useful. Self defense was really informative and the multicultural workshop opened my eyes to the problems that different people face. Of course, I loved the laser tag and circus skills workshops! This year with the YAP has been fantastic. I’ve learned so much and some of my friends have successfully applied for next year’s program. I’m sure that they will get as much out of the program as I have.

Emily 2012Participating in the Young Achievers Program has been the most rewarding experience of my life. My mentor became the complete epitome of who I want to be when I’m older. She became a person I could confide in, talk to and laugh with. I discovered another side of myself by being exposed to cultural activities such as movies at ACMI and various hidden galleries scattered throughout Melbourne. The whole experience, including the workshops which enabled me to grow, is something that I will never forget. It was a year filled with laughter, new experience’s and new friends. Because of it I am a stronger, wiser, more focused, happier and more guided person.

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Felicia 2009

Medicine, 3rd year,

Sydney University

Michelle 2009 Architecture, 3rd year,

Melbourne University

Jasmine 2010 Marine Biology, 3rd year,

James Cook University,

Townsville

Melissa 2012 and 2013 Bachelor of Science,

1st year, Melbourne

University

Lauren 2011 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music, 2nd year,

Victorian College

of the Arts

Erin 2009 Health Science and

International Relations,

3rd year, Latrobe

University

Kate 2010 Biomedical Science

and Psychology, 3rd year,

Victoria University

Ruskin 2010 Fashion Designer,

graduated the diploma,

currently 1st year

Bachelor of design,

Fashion RMIT and

producing own fashion

range.

Laura 2011, 2012 and 2013 Aspiring writer and lawyer,

year 12

Daniel 2011 Bachelor of Photography,

2nd year RMIT

Where are they now?

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High school, for me, was a place where I could shy away from leadership,

responsibilities and worries of the future. The transition to pursuing a career was

one of the hardest processes I have encountered. In year 12, I was faced with the

question: ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?’

I joined the Young Achievers Program because I wanted answers, guidance, insight

into the Health industry, and advice on career paths. Julia was my mentor in 2009.

She helped me develop the initiative that I needed to prepare for my Pharmacy

career. The YAP monthly workshops played a huge part in building my confidence and

teamwork skills - although I can’t say the same for my ability to dance.

Four years and a bachelor degree later, I am completing my traineeship at the

Alfred Hospital. This accomplishment would not have been possible without BBBS.

Through the Young Achievers Program, I was able become a more organised,

focused, confident, responsible person. I believe that being part of the program has

broadened my perspective about good mentoring. In light of becoming a mentor, I

hope to share my experiences, inspire confidence, and meet the needs of the Young

Achiever, so that they, too, may reach their full potential.

Marita Cheng, mentor 2011 and her mentee Vanessa. Marita was awarded the

Young Australian of the Year 2012. She is founder of Robogals and has been

described as ‘an engineering visionary’. Vanessa is well on her way to a similar

career.

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Sophie; from mentee to mentor

Engineering Visionaries

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Young Achievers ProgramThe Young Achievers Program (YAP) provides young people with additional social and career related support through one-to-one mentoring and personal development workshops. YAP aims to support each young person by:

• Increasing their self-esteem and life skills

• Providing opportunities for new experiencesand personal development

• Broadening their social network throughone-to-one mentoring and workshops

• Developing high level leaderships skills

• Linking them to educational, employmentand training opportunities.

Young PeopleYAP participants are high achieving, motivated students in Years 10, 11, 12 and first year university who show potential to be talented leaders.

MentorsPeople from all walks of life are recruited as volunteer mentors. They undertake a comprehensive selection process and, once approved, meet with each young person on a fortnightly basis.

WorkshopsOver the past 7 years, workshops have included:

• Assertiveness & Conflict Resolution• Getting the Best from Photoshop• Hip Hop Dance• World Dance• Voice and Word (Public Speaking)• Circus Skills• Auslan (Australian Sign Language)• Art therapy• Self Defence• Leadership• The ups and downs of being a high achiever• Multiculturalism

James and Regan, 2010 YAP

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Participants and SupportersBig Brothers Big Sisters thanks the numerous people who have ensured the success of the Young Achievers Program. Along with a suite of other mentoring initiatives, the Young Achievers Program supports the development of young people, assisting them to reach their potential.

Young Achievers Program Steering CommitteePhilip BrassDaniel Griffiths Jodie Webster Viv Ray Regan Engelhardt Bronwyn KingKim Coon

Young Achievers Alumni CommitteeSophie 2009 Erin 2009 Cathy 2009 and 2010Michelle 2009Breana 2010 James 2010 Maria 2011 Heather 2011 Emily 2012Steven 2013Genevieve 2013 Peter 2014

Young Achievers Facebook WorkersSophie Cathy Breana Maria

DonorsPhilip & Vivien Brass Foundation Goldin Foundation Harry Boon Ian Campbell Goodman Family Foundation Grant F Latta Luscombe Family Trust Howard McDonald Paul Moore

Participating Schools Boxhill Secondary College Brentwood Secondary College Brunswick Secondary College Caroline Springs Secondary College Coburg Secondary College Deer Park Secondary College Elwood Secondary CollegeFootscray City College Macrobertson Girls High School McClelland Secondary College Melbourne Girls College Point Cook Senior Secondary College Princes Hill Secondary College Sunshine Secondary College Westall Secondary College

StaffViv Ray; Young Achievers Program Manager

Kim CoonYoung Achievers Program Assistant

Daniel Griffiths; Big Brothers Big Sisters General Manager Operations

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14From left: Vivien and Philip Brass Our generous benefactors, Viv Ray YAP Manager,

Sherilyn Hanson; Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO

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Young Achievers Program Phone: 03 9526 8409

yap.bbbsau.org www. bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au

ABN: 75071682294

Suite 604 566 StKilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004

A special thank you to Konica for the printing of this year book, Joel Rainford Photography and Guy Holt Illustration and Design for the production of this document.

Their contributions have made this publication possible.

John and Juho, 2013 YAP

2015 young achievers year book

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