YOUNG ACHIEVERS ACHIEVERS
PROGRAM PROGRAM
YOUNG YOUNG ACHIEVERS ACHIEVERS PROGRAM
PROGRAM
Young Achievers Program Young Achievers Program Seven Years 2009 - 2015 Seven Years 2009 - 2015
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Seven Years
Young Achievers Program Manager A 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
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Seven Years
Our Generous Benefactors Too 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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SevenSeven Years Years
Young AchieversProgram Program2009 2009 Young Achievers
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Young People Young People 1 April April 2 Cathy Cathy 3 Erin Erin 4 Eunice Eunice 5 Felicia Felicia 6 JohnJohn 7 Linda Linda 8 Michelle Michelle 9 Snehaa Snehaa 10 Sophie Sophie
Mentors Mentors Susan Susan Jodie Jodie ErinErin Louise Louise Sheree Sheree Damien Damien Josynta Josynta Nellie Nellie Kathryn Kathryn Julia Julia
Seven Seven Years Years
Young YoungAchievers AchieversProgram Program2010 2010
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Young Young People People
Mentors Mentors
Andy Andy Breeana Breeana Caitlin Caitlin Cathy Cathy Cristy Cristy Darcy Darcy Erica Erica Georgia Georgia
Brayden Brayden Robyn Robyn Kathryn Kathryn Jodie Jodie Pereena Pereena Michael Michael Andrea Andrea Sheree Sheree
Young Young People People 9 9 James James 1010 Jasmine Jasmine 1111 Kate Kate 1212 Pravena Pravena 1313 Rachael Rachael 1414 Samuel Samuel
Mentors Mentors Regan Regan Brooke Brooke Bronwyn Bronwyn Jessamine Jessamine Giuliana Giuliana Andrew Andrew
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Seven Years
Young Achievers Program 2011
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Mentees
Mentors
Bridget Caitlyn Daniel Diwa Emma-Beth Eric Gabi Georgia Heather Laura
Rachel Sarah Eugene Gabby Anne Jarrod Nadia Megan Karen Karen
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Mentees
Mentors
Lauren Lee-Ann Maria Molly Nabat Natina Sandra Vanessa
Shannon Amber Bronwyn Andrea Maureen Olivia Kathryn Marita
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Young People
Mentors
Young People
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Nick Eren Andrew Raj Courtney Vilash Rebecca Oya Megan Peter Melissa John Pam Evan Jennica Anne
17. Lucy 18. Mariam 19. Mahi 20. Nina 21. Pat 22. Peter 23. Pravik 24. Radhika 25. Rhea 26. Roshini 27. Sharon 28. Sophia 29. Tara 30. Vini 31. Yi Jie 32. Zunaira
Aaron Alexander Andrew Andriana Anne Billy Evelyn Farah Genevieve Jacob Jane Juho Jun Kenneth Larissa Louise
Mentors Bethany Workshops Only Tricia Andrea Costa David David Rachel Tracey Karen Jane Tanya Kaavya Kathryn Virginia Rachel
Young Achievers Program 2015
Young People
Mentors
Young People
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
Peter Roshan April Tracey Bridgette Aparna Anne Sally Michael Renee Rivka Susan Dean Jennica Raj Megan Tricia Sanka
19. Mikaela 20. Mikayla 21. Nav 22. Nicole 23. Oscar 24. Peter 25. Rhea 26. Ricardo 27. Roshini 28. Sierra 29. Sophia 30. Tara 31. Tiffany 32. Tim 33. Vasilia 34. Victoria 35. Yi Jie Xu 36. Zunaira
Adam Aidan Alanna Ally Amelia Elodie Emily Hayley Jacob Jasmine Jun Katherine Kenneth Larissa Maarisha Marine Mahi Matthew
Mentors Sam Natalie David Sophie Asmamaw Jane Lizzie John Karen Elissa Fiona Workshops Only Ashleigh Jack Ruth Meghan Workshops Only Workshops Only
Young Achievers Program 2015
Seven Years
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.
Anne Medical Scientist. Mentor for 2 years to Emma-Beth 2011 and 12.
Jarrod Human Resources Manager.
Olivia Doctor. Mentor for 2 years to Natina 2011 Pretashini 2013.
Amber Doctor. Mentor for 2 years to Lee-Ann 2011 and 12.
Mentor for 2 years to Eric 2011 and 12.
Rachel Doctor. Mentor for 3 years to Bridget 2011 and 2012 Jessica 2013
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Seven Years
Cathy and Jodie Cathy
Jodie Mentor in 2009 and 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Seven Years
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 2010 Young 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 2012 I 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 2012 Participating 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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Seven Years
Where are they now? Felicia 2009 Medicine, 3rd year, Sydney University
Michelle 2009 Architecture, 3rd year, Melbourne University
Ruskin 2010 Fashion Designer, graduated the diploma, currently 1st year Bachelor of design, Fashion RMIT and producing own fashion range.
Daniel 2011 Bachelor of Photography, 2nd year RMIT
Melissa 2012 and 2013 Bachelor of Science, 1st year, Melbourne University
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Erin 2009 Health Science and International Relations, 3rd year, Latrobe University
Jasmine 2010 Marine Biology, 3rd year, James Cook University, Townsville
Kate 2010 Biomedical Science and Psychology, 3rd year, Victoria University
Lauren 2011 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music, 2nd year, Victorian College of the Arts
Laura 2011, 2012 and 2013 Aspiring writer and lawyer, year 12
Seven Years
Sophie; from mentee to mentor 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.
Engineering Visionaries
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. 12
Seven Years
Young Achievers Program The 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 experiences and personal development • Broadening their social network through one-to-one mentoring and workshops • Developing high level leaderships skills • Linking them to educational, employment and training opportunities.
Young People YAP participants are high achieving, motivated students in Years 10, 11, 12 and first year university who show potential to be talented leaders.
James and
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Regan, 2010
YAP
Mentors People 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.
Workshops Over 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
Seven Years
Participants and Supporters Big 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 Committee Philip Brass Daniel Griffiths Jodie Webster Viv Ray Regan Engelhardt Bronwyn King Kim Coon
Young Achievers Alumni Committee Sophie 2009 Erin 2009 Cathy 2009 and 2010 Michelle 2009 Breana 2010 James 2010 Maria 2011 Heather 2011 Emily 2012 Steven 2013 Genevieve 2013 Peter 2014
Young Achievers Facebook Workers Sophie Cathy Breana Maria
Donors Philip & 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 College Footscray 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
Staff Viv Ray; Young Achievers Program Manager Kim Coon Young Achievers Program Assistant Daniel Griffiths; Big Brothers Big Sisters General Manager Operations Sherilyn Hanson; Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO
From left: Vivien and Philip Brass Our generous benefactors, Viv Ray YAP Manager,
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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
John and
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Juho, 201
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.