College Newsletter

Victorian Global Learning Awards

DSC Triumphs Once Again!

 

The Victorian Global Learning Awards are a celebration and recognition of what brings us together, the strength of Victoria’s international relationships and the esteem with which we are held internationally for global learning and engagement. But most importantly it is a celebration of our students, teachers, parents, principals and homestay families, and the contribution they make to our schools and community.

 

Earlier this year we announced that DSC international student, Berry Eain, has been selected as one of the finalists for the Student Leadership Award category at the Victorian Global Learning Awards program. 

 

Berry has also been selected as a finalist for the 2024 Ambassador Award International Student of the Year.

 

In term 1, the Department of Education visited our campus to create Berry's VGLA application video. You can watch it here:

 

On the 17th May, College Assistant Principal, Belinda McGee, and International Student Program Director, Sally Huang, accompanied Berry to the Victorian Global Learning Awards Ceremony held at the RACV City Club. We are thrilled to announce that Berry Eain has been awarded the winner of BOTH the:

 

  • Year 12 Student Leadership Award. Each year in Victoria, one international student from year 11 and one from year 12 will receive this award which recognises outstanding leadership.

 

  • And winner of the International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award. The Ambassador Award recipient will have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, the ability to represent Victorian schools, and leadership through engaging with both the school and wider community. It is also the highest award an international student can receive in Victoria.

 

 

 

Berry also held another record and became the first ever student to deliver a closing speech at the ceremony.

 

The Department’s official recognition of our international student achievements which include Harry BUI (2022 International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award) and Berry EAIN (2024 International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award) awards has made our international student program and our school a very attractive destination in the market! So well done to our international students and well done to DSC!

 

Berry is happy to share her full speech DSC community. Please find this below.

 

 

Sally Huang

Director of International Student Program 

Doncaster Secondary College

 

 

 

Berry Eain – Closing speech at the 2024 Victorian Global Learning Awards

 

Good afternoon consular and education representatives, Department of Education and Victorian school staff and to all the remarkable students and homestay families being recognised today. I would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri (pronounced W-ur-und-jerry) People of the Kulin (pronounced Cool-in) Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we are gathered. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

 

I am honoured to stand among such an inspiring community and to deliver the closing speech for today’s Victorian Global Learning Awards. I am also honoured to be awarded this year’s International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award.

My name is Berry Eain. I am from Myanmar. And I use my voice to spread awareness that we can all be leaders even when we lack opportunities. 

 

Growing up, I have always had strong intentions of striving for the betterment of myself, my family and my community. As a young teenager and a female student, I know what it feels like to not have my opinions validated. I have experienced what it’s like to be treated with a lack of respect. And I know what it’s like to not receive the support I needed to strive for a change. Therefore, coming to Melbourne and being educated in Australia has become one of my deepest gratitudes.

 

I was genuinely surprised by how much people encouraged student voice and even more amazed to hear that young people are engaged in leadership teams, sporting events, even in community councils – this was a whole new concept to me. Ever since I arrived, my intention was to grasp onto any opportunity that was presented to me and make the most out of my experience here as a proud international student.

In 2019, I took up a position in the Australia Air League to satisfy my curiosity of what it is really like to be in a structured organisation. Adopting such a role within the league assisted me to establish a sense of belonging in this new country where I was able to confidently speak up, challenge my capabilities and even learn how to demand to be heard.

 

As time progressed, I became the representative of my year 8 cohort at Doncaster Secondary College. I then attempted to get on to the school's SRC.  However, due to lack of courage, I didn’t apply for the Middle School Captain position. Having missed out on such an opportunity was the biggest regret I have ever had.

 

Since then, I promised myself to seek any leadership roles even if it means to step out of my comfort zone. I later became part of the Principal and Student Improvement Team and finally had the confidence to expand my network beyond school and I am proud to have represented young people as a member of the Youth Advisory Committee at my local council.

 

And by acknowledging my underlying desires and recognising what transformations I truly want to make in the community, I was fortunate to be selected as the College Captain of Doncaster Secondary College last year. What I’ve learned from these roles is that what matters most are the connections built, the stories heard and knowing that I am making an impact no matter how big or small.

 

And here I am, years later as the International Student of the Year with a chance to continue using my agency to inspire young leaders and people from across different stages in life – whether it be in my workplace now or at university studying optometry.

 

So, I encourage all of you – regardless of your age or experiences – to be brave and take initiative with whatever you want to do in your life. Because you could be the youngest person in the room – or the oldest – but you have a voice and an opportunity to make the biggest difference in the whole wide world.

 

In closing, I would like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Doncaster Secondary College. I’d like to thank principal Glenn Morris and my teachers for always being open minded when it comes to feedback and suggestions from our student leadership team.

 

I’d also like to thank Sally Huang, my international student coordinator, who shares the same values as me. Thank you, Ms Huang, for reminding me to strive for the best and to remain positive regardless of the situation. Thank you for your guidance and shaping me into a student that I could always reflect and be proud of.

 

I would like to acknowledge the Victorian Department of Education for going above and beyond to acknowledge students’ contributions and the esteemed judges, on behalf of all the award recipients here, I sincerely thank you for your dedication towards making this celebration come to life.

 

As we’ve seen today, this event is a celebration of achievements, resilience and the power of determination across multiple endeavours – academics, arts, global citizenship, leadership, community engagement, resilience, innovation and homestay care and support. So, to each and every one of today’s recipients, please allow me to emphasise a universal truth. You are never too young or too old, too inexperienced, or too qualified, to make things right.

 

Thank you.

 

Berry Eain

International Student of the Year, 2024