By Casey Neill
Chisholm student Brooke Fernandez is determined to make a difference, and has already left a lasting impact on her teacher.
The Endeavour Hills 20-year-old was the Youth Enterprise Award nominee at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Business Awards breakfast at Greyhounds Entertainment, Springvale, on Wednesday 24 August.
Teacher Robin Griffiths revealed that graphic design and screen media student Brooke had a hearing impairment.
“She told me at the end of the first class she needs to look me in the face because she lip reads,” he said.
But he’s prone to wandering as he speaks so Brooke stood up and followed him.
“She really made a difference to me in the way I treat students and being mindful of others,” he said.
“I have no doubt Brooke will make a difference in her career no matter what path she takes.
“Brooke’s going to be one of those people that’s going to be able to engage an audience and communicate a message.”
Brooke told the breakfast that she had completed a short course in interior design and would apply to study a bachelor of design next year.
“I like my work to send a message to an audience,” she said.
Her projects have covered social issues such as body image.
“Through my work I aim to promote social acceptance,” she said.
“I want to create works that make a difference.”
