By Casey Neill
The more she volunteers, the more connected Aishwarya Pokkuluri feels to her community.
The Dandenong North 22-year-old was applauded for her efforts with the young leader honour at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards in Dandenong Park on Friday 26 January.
“It was really unexpected,” she said.
Aishwarya started her journey as a volunteer only two years ago, “basically because I just wanted something to do other than university”.
She found the council’s young leaders program and over six months helped to organise a forum for Greater Dandenong youths.
“My interest in volunteering grew,” she said.
Aishwarya said she didn’t know much about her community before getting involved with the project.
“As you learn more and more you start to really love your community,” she said.
“I got more connected because I was taught more about my community.
“I started getting more and more involved even after completion of the young leaders program.
“I got involved with Monash Health in Dandenong, doing volunteer work.
“I’m now part of the Dandenong Sustainability Reference Committee.
“I think Dandenong’s sustainability objectives are very futuristic. If we do reach them it would be great for the environment.”
Aishwarya has just finished her degree in nutrition science and is searching for a job in the field.
“I definitely will keep involved in these things because I really like having a say,” she said.
“I’m representing other young people. I feel really grateful to be able to be the voice for many other people.”
Inspired with Aishwarya’s story? Here are more encouraging stories for you to read on:
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