Greetings all,
I am Vu Long Tran, here representing the Altona Lions club and discussing to you all about ‘inspiring young individuals in Australia’ and it involves creating opportunities for them and through doing so hopefully inspiring each and every one of them.
I became involved in the community work that I do now because someone gave me an opportunity many years ago. I was probably 8 or 9 then, yet that day still stays in my memories as of the greatest days of my childhood.
This day was a fun day out at Luna Park which was organised by the Lions Club. Rides, food, drinks and even prizes were given out to myself and many others. I still remember the creepy skeleton from the scary ghost ride that frightened one of the other kids on my cart... It was no doubt an experience that I will cherish and remember forever, and I have...
As what those fellow Lions and I didn’t realise then was that I would I want come back years later to create an experience like that for others, and in this pursuit, I have volunteered with many community groups and created those opportunities for others to experience, including the Lions Club, YMCA, YVC (Hobsons Bay) Youth Voice Committee), etc.
So I ask each of you to think about how you too if you haven’t already done so might be able to inspire and create opportunities like mine for others, and perhaps one day you may find that they do may do the same as me and find volunteering as a great way to make a difference for those around us...even if you inspire one person, that one person can inspire so many others...a bit like a ripple effect...
Great opportunities
Now I know when my parents arrived here in twenty odd years ago they probably would not have envisioned me here standing before you all presenting this speech, nor did I.
As I see this as a great opportunity offered to me, in this land, this land that not only offer many opportunities to all the individuals within it, but welcomes each and every one of us - regardless of race, gender, etc.
I have seen and been given many great opportunities in my life and through my experiences and participation in various youth and community programs including those with the Lions Club, Rotary International, NAPCAN, YMCA, etc. where I have been able to see the strength and mateship within the people of Australia. And so, I would encourage all of you, particularly young individuals like myself to look for the many opportunities that are available to you and make the most of them as I have.
Taking a challenging and turning it into an opportunity
As sometimes being young, you can feel as though you may be powerless to do this and do that, when in fact, you can make a difference in this world.
You will no doubt encounter challenges in your life it is at times only through challenges, and turning these challenges into an opportunity that you able to seize the day. Even perceived failures can be seen as challenges and it is always something that can be overcome.
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