Trinity College Young Leaders Program – Western Chances

YLP program

The Trinity College Young Leaders Program (YLP) is an experience I never thought nor did I expect I needed. However, after a short period of 1 week, I realised that sometimes the best things in life are often the least expected.

Of course, as the name of the program suggest, it is about leadership but it is also about so much more. I did the English Plus stream and we went on many excursions which included going to the NGV, theatre, meeting an author...

I was constantly pushing boundaries and doing things that I hadn't known I was capable of. I made many new friends every day and learnt so, so much from them. To be honest, I think those were my magic moments and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

There was not a single thing I did that was not worth it and I want to thank those friends from across the world, mentors that guided me and most importantly Western Chances. If it wasn't for you guys I wouldn't have been able to experience this opportunity of a lifetime. 

Chelsea Tran (Year 11)

I came into YLP not expecting much but it didn't take me long to realise how magical one week can become. The Young Leaders Program has enriched with encouragement and guidance of how to be a great leader. Many beautiful friendships were fostered. This is hands down one of the most valuable experience of my life.

Vicky Le  (Year 11) - Science/Engineering Stream

Last week, I participated in the biomedical stream, a program offered at Trinity College, the University of Melbourne, for the period of a week.

Truthfully, in the days before commencing the program, although being excited for the various opportunities to learn and study, I was also quite apprehensive. The idea of meeting so many new people was quite intimidating.

However, through the span of that week, I became fully immersed in the experience. I engaged in brain, liver and eye dissections, used medical technology to understand the complexity of the heart, practised suturing and endoscopy at the College of Surgeons, looked through microscopes to view bacteria, and used biological input to solve crimes under the guidance of a head researcher. I also was a part of the audience at several lectures by current university students and graduates.

It is through these learning activities that have enabled me to evolve my understanding of what the biomedical stream is all about, what distinguishes it from other courses, and if I would like to pursue it in the future.

Moreover, the experience also facilitated multiple opportunities for me to refine my teamwork and leadership skills, working alongside other like-minded students from all around the world, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and Syria.

I can say that this experience has blown me away. There is no way that I can summarise the vast impact it has had on me as an individual, both towards my refined skill set, developed understanding and strengthened confidence in choosing my future academic endeavours at university.

This program has been absolutely amazing, and I definitely encourage all year 10 and 11 students to apply!

Cindy Nguyen, 10E