My "Seedling"

In the next chapter of my leadership journey, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and extend my influence to the communities outside the university. This leadership phase is relatively similar to the stage “Seedling” in the growth of a flower where the root begins to develop and spread to facilitate the rapid growth of a healthy plant. With a boost of well-balanced nutrients, the plant protrudes from the ground and transforms in size and length, obtaining support from external sources to grow on the seed reserves. “Seedling” is also one of the most critical stages of a flower's development as it often represents challenges when the plant emerges from the protected environment of the ground, thus a decisive phase to determine the final healthy flower.

 

Ready to take on leadership roles after gaining a wealth of knowledge and experiences in 5 faculties and divisions at university, I decided to make a bold decision by accepting new challenges and getting involved in such unprecedented initiatives to support international student communities in Geelong and regional Victoria. These initiatives will be best presented in my dedication in The Lounge International Student Project and Deakin Vietnamese Group where I pioneered to make a difference in promoting the cultural diversity and inclusiveness, educational opportunities, health and wellbeing of international students.

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This phase of my leadership has taught me the power of setting a meaningful vision, collaborating with like-minded people, and maintaining passion, resilience, and determination throughout the process. I hope that with my leadership in multiple initiatives, I have been able to help international students get inspired and motivated to grow stronger, learn harder and feel more sense of belonging in the land miles away from home.