The VCE community leader who tackles bats and bullies, volunteers — and still has time for sport
MARGARET Tran, of MacRobertson Girls’ High School, believes that being a leader doesn’t always mean being front and centre.
“Sometimes it’s about taking a step back to allow others to take the lead,” she says.
The VCE Leadership Award recipient was one of 20 students selected for the 2014 MacRob World Challenge, which involved hiking and helping North Indian communities build infrastructure such as guttering, water catchments and fire incinerators.
To raise the funds to cover the three-week trip, she rose at 5am each day and walked 13km to school for a week.
“Walking for three hours in my uniform with a backpack filled with books was challenging, but I pushed through,” Tran says.
She exceeded her goal of $6300 and donated the additional funds to Nepalese communities affected by the 2014 earthquake.
MacRob director of leadership Joanne Howe says Margaret is “driven by the positive changes she can create for her social, school and wider community”.
As a leader with the St. Joseph’s Parish Vietnamese Scouting Youth Group, Margaret teaches sign language and semaphore to young people.
Last year she volunteered at Leo’s Tutoring Club (an affiliate of Lions Clubs International), helping children with learning difficulties.
At Kew Gardens Aged Care Home she has lead activities for the residents and accompanied them on walks over the past year.
She’s also passionate about the environment and promoting sustainable practises.
After receiving a George Alexander Foundation scholarship, Margaret conducted field research on the effects of urbanisation on micro-bat populations this year.
“The experience opened my eyes to the need for conservation in my local area,” she says.
As president of her school’s Student Representative Council, she established a wellbeing breakfast to teach students about healthy eating.
Since she joined the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) in 2013, Margaret has interviewed more than 1000 students to gather data on concerns and priorities.
She has briefed the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino, and worked with National Children’s Commissioner Megan Mitchell on issues including bullying in schools and mental health.
VicSRC Manager Krista Seddon says Margaret’s advocacy in the education sector has “seen student voices embraced as a priority” by the State Government.
Her recent presentation to the Board of the Department of Education and Training outlined steps to ensure student involvement in Victoria’s Education reforms.
Margaret hopes to inspire other young women.
“I believe every girl can be a leader and I want to support those who are afraid to speak up,” she says.
Her SRC Family leadership project at school now has 170 members.
Remarkably she finds time for sport, including table tennis, cricket, athletics, swimming and badminton, plus drama and debating.
Her nominating teacher Joanne Howe says: “Margaret aims to get others involved and to support and congratulate other competitors, to foster school spirit, and to build community connections among peers from different year levels.”
The VCE Leadership Awards recognise the efforts of VCE students in promoting leadership and participation in their school and community. Finalists receive a three-month subscription to the Herald Sun, and a 12-month digital subscription. On November 21, one winner will also receive a computer donated by Lenovo Australia. Students in government, Catholic and independent schools may apply for the annual awards at the VCAA website.