Meet #BYC – Kathleen Ma
It’s time to meet your 2023 Brimbank Youth Councillor Kathleen Ma .
A Brimbank young people who is motivated, excited and determined to represent the young community of Brimbank.
Tell us more about yourself!
I am currently in Year Eight and my favourite subjects are my languages, History, English and Science. In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing sports and music.
Why did you join the BYC?
I joined BYC because I wanted a new leadership experience out in the community. Previously being form captain, I want to develop my skills, responsibility and time management in a way that would be effective in helping young people in the community.
What are you passionate about?
I have set a goal for myself when gaining leadership roles and that is, to be inclusive of my team members and be a “good listener” in terms of letting people express their ideas and opinions as well as taking them into account. I am passionate towards giving every individual young person in the Brimbank community a voice, and making sure that all of them feel comfortable to express concerns or opinions that they think are worrying them or feel that needs to be improved in the community. I would especially like to implement, if possible, the confidence in every individual to be able to speak up, no matter who they are in our community.
What are you hoping to achieve as a BYC member this year?
I am hoping to develop new leadership skills such as responsibility and time management. As well as gaining those new experiences, I am looking to make more friendships with other passionate youth members of the community that share the same motivations as I do. Besides personal motives, I am hoping to create positive changes for the youth in the community alongside the BYC. I am excited to be part in making positive impacts that will be beneficial for young people in our community.
What does a better Brimbank look like to you?
A better Brimbank to me is a community that is inclusive and supportive of all positive opinions and concerns. It is a society that does not judge who you are by appearance, but who you are by your personality and achievements. Working with the BYC, I hope to create a positive impact in a way that every young person is confident enough to freely express themselves and treasure who they are.
What’s one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in their community?
Don’t be afraid to have a voice in making change! Be yourself and don’t let others judge who you are. Be confident and try new things, and, if in need of expressing concerns, conta
