Vanisre is one of our 2017 Leadership Competition winners. You can check out her winning entry here and her bio below.
Describe yourself in 80 words or less.
I’m originally from Singapore and absolutely love asian food. I have now lived in Australia for six years and I must say it has been quite an amazing journey.I’m culturally diverse and speak Tamil at home and love wearing traditional clothes.I truly miss my family back home and my best friend.I am brutally honest which can lead to catch 22 situations, however most of my friends appreciate me for this. I am very self determined and studious and always strive to do my best in school, often loved and supported by peers and teachers. Apart from this, Music is something that defines me as a person and something that holds my heart.
How old are you, what grade are you in and what community/town do you live in?
I’m 17 years old and currently in year 11 at Brauer secondary College. I call the wonderful coastal town ,Warrnambool in South-West Victoria my home.
Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition?
At first, I was skeptical about being apart of C2C. Without the motivation of my teacher and parents, I honestly would not have done the competition with my crippling self doubt. However, now that I did push myself, I am so glad to be apart of this journey and truly grateful for this opportunity to finally be able to offer a voice.
What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip to Canberra?
I hope that through this trip I can develop great connections meeting all the participants across Australia and being able to create life long friendships. I also hope to challenge myself and make the most of all that is offered in this trip.
Who is your role model and why?
I have many role models but, my family would have to be the people I look up to the most. My Father teaches me the art of determination, self belief and honesty. My mother teaches me the art of womanhood and empowerment. My pet dogs (never pets but family) taught me to love unconditionally and protect the ones I love. Last but not least, my little brother who teaches me to take it easy in life learning to find true happiness even in the smallest means.
What’s your favourite thing about living in rural Australia?
Previously living in Melbourne, I remember being drawn to the amazing ocean and greenery Warrnambool has to offer. Never did I know that I would now be living in this amazing town filled with bustling community spirit ,bound by what I love the most the great southern ocean glistening beautifully as the sun sets.
What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about many things one of which believing that everyone should be able to find their “pursuit of happyness” in this great big world. I believe in respect and equality for all and want to live in a world that is free of any sort of discrimination and injustices. A world that is free from poverty, racism, gender discrimination, animal cruelty and many more factors that inhibit the growth of the human race. I believe my small contribution for change will be by treating everyone and everything how I would be to be treated.
What’s your favourite quote?
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is
harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
What’s your main goal/ambition right now?
At the moment, there are two careers I have in mind. This being either pursuing medicine or law. Apart from this I would also love to pursue my passion for singing.As for now, the main goal is to do my best in school , keep singing and believing in myself.
Tell us a couple of things you do to relax/have fun?
I sing my heart out and play my guitar in my downtime. Listening to music is something I really enjoy. I enjoy my Netflix and chill moments, watching either Suits, The Fresh Prince, Brooklyn Nine- Nine, Friends, honestly the list could go on. I love watching soccer, I am a supporter of Liverpool.I’m a big foodie and enjoy a great feast from my dad too.I absolutely love sleeping, playing with my little brother and getting in touch with family in Singapore through video calls.
How do people stay in touch with you?
I am very approachable and easy to have a laugh with and like to call myself an ambivert. I usually stay in touch with most of my friends through social media like Instagram and don’t have Facebook as it never fascinated me. Getting in touch with me, will involve sharing great memes, vines and puns :)!
Instagram: vanisreeeee