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*TO BE UPDATED (So this was from mid-2008...)* Linh Do’s passion for the environment took her to the 2020 Youth Summit last month. As one of a hundred delegates, Linh represented the interest of young people on the topic of Climate Change and Sustainability. Linh, from Braybrook College, has been a strong campaigner for the environment for many years. In Year 10 she initiated a ‘Change a Million Light Bulb’ (CAMLB) campaign through MySpace to encourage schools, communities and young people to change over to more energy efficient light bulbs. As a result of her CAMLB campaign work she was given the opportunity to train with Al Gore on climate change which opened up a world of opportunity for her. The Australian Conservation Foundation, who nominated Linh for the 2020 Youth Summit and the Al Gore training, are featuring her in a DVD on climate change. ‘The environmental work I do has been most rewarding for me. It has taken off in ways that I never thought possible. I have had some great opportunities to speak to people about the environment. I have visited schools and community groups as far afield as Perth. Public speaking has never been daunting because, to me, I am just talking to people about my passion. Being able to refer to my contact with Al Gore brings credibility to my work.’ Linh is also an advocate for student welfare. She is an executive member of the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) – a collective student body that represents the interest of secondary students in Victoria. The VicSRC Congress has resolutions that include encouraging greater student participation in school councils, setting up recycling initiatives in schools and establishing and retaining student welfare services. ‘I have the Membership and Events portfolio. My main aim is to connect with students and raise awareness for a student voice.’ At Braybrook College Linh is President of the SRC. Her focus is to create a stronger school spirit by implementing House competitions and encouraging participation in cocurricular activities. For instance, to encourage a better sense of community within the school, the SRC has initiated Spirit Week. This is a week-long fun event that provides personal development to students. It will include activities and workshops on study and career options. ‘In VCE you are bombarded with “what do you want to do?”, but some students have no idea. The transition from middle school to VCE is easier if you start thinking about it before you get there. Spirit Week gives younger students an opportunity to start considering their options and pathways early.’ Linh has always had the drive to be involved and to participate. ‘I am a big dreamer, I want to do big things – I didn’t realise my potential until Year 8 when a teacher inspired me. Sometimes you need someone to encourage you, someone who recognises your potential and pushes you towards your goal.’ Along with her work for climate change and student welfare, Linh also sings in a choir and plays the French horn in various orchestras. She also revels in the team-building and life-skills learnt at Lady Somers Camp and intends to be an even more active participant this year. Linh’s personal growth has increased since she started campaigning and participating in extracurricular activities. ‘I have learnt a lot about myself and developed a valuable and extensive network. I have met such diverse and interesting people of varying ages and professions.’ Sometimes Linh does not know how she manages to fit everything in. ‘Everything falls into place, I have a diary and everything gets scheduled in somehow.’ Linh is aware that a lot of time and energy is spent on extracurricular activities, but she would not have it any other way. ‘I do not want to sacrifice a year for a high ENTER. Some parents and teachers may disagree but you have to explain to them what you want to do. Make sure you are doing things for yourself.’ This year Linh will continue to campaign for the things she is passionate about while completing her final year of VCE. After that she would like to do an Arts/Law degree, expand on her CAMLB campaign into a more dynamic organisation and then eventually get into international diplomacy. With such a focused outlook, I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about Linh in the future.
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