By Jena Carr
A Werribee youth has made significant achievements during a nationwide program encouraging the next generation of outstanding and inspirational young leaders.
Aanchal Sharma, 17, represented the Werribee Lions Club and reached the Lions Youth of the Year program’s district finals after successfully competing in the local and regional rounds.
Aanchal said she won several awards during the competition, which included the Finalist Winner and Public Speaking awards, and that she applied for the program to challenge herself.
“I believe that the Lions program opportunity, was a way to put myself out there and see where I stand out,” she said.
“I’m involved in extracurricular activities, other clubs, volunteering opportunities and public speaking with impromptu speeches and prepared speeches.
“This competition was a great way to not only put myself up there, but also see how I stand in terms of my public speaking skills, general knowledge and interviews.”
Aanchal said she was “really happy” with her performance during the competition’s speeches and interviews and was recognised by the judges for her public speaking and interview skills.
“I really took on the feedback the judges gave,” she said.
“I loved the interview, because they asked about what I do, and they also gave me ideas on how I can improve on what I’ve done.”
Aanchal said she loved meeting people from different schools, and she had gained valuable experience from the competition.
“I think I learned a lot about different opportunities from them (participants), but I also learned from their speeches and presentations,” she said.
“I loved talking to them about what they’ve done in the community, what initiatives they’ve taken, the involvement inside and outside of school, and why they joined the programme as well.”
