Meet #BYC – Mervin Laureano
It’s time to meet your 2023 Brimbank Youth Councillor Mervin Laureano
A Brimbank young people who is motivated, excited and determined to represent the young community of Brimbank.
Tell us more about yourself!
I am an eager university student, studying a Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Human Rights) at Monash University. I have been fortunate enough to have had numerous leadership opportunities, which have rewarded me with an appreciation for teamwork, agency and decision making! On the side, I am an avid basketball fan and also work as a basketball referee for Basketball Victoria, where I am able to put these decision making skills into practice.
Why did you join the BYC?
I joined BYC as I wanted to maximise an opportunity to give back to the community. Calling Brimbank home since my family migrated to Australia, I am extremely grateful for the warmth and accommodation of the council and the people who make it up.
What are you passionate about?
I am extremely passionate in promoting agency and leadership within the youth. Having been involved in a number of leadership bodies in the past, I am always seeking to strengthen my own leadership skills, and more importantly, utilise them to help others in delivering a common cause. I have a particular interest in learning how to respond to the needs of a community like Brimbank, as well as how to appeal to target audiences, such as the youth, to bring about substantive change. Overall, I am enthusiastic about youth empowerment and contributing to great change!
What are you hoping to achieve as a BYC member this year?
I am hoping to contribute into making changes in the community, and make some new friends while doing this, to create a memorable experience. On a personal level, I am also looking to affirm my appreciation for politics and civic processes!
What does a better Brimbank look like to you?
A better Brimbank is one that embraces its community in a way that makes them feel more appreciated. This means being cognisant of the community’s needs and delivering meaningful responses to them. This helps assure its citizens that they are valued members of a community and are led by individuals who care deeply about their community!
What’s one piece of advice you have for young people who want to create change in their community?
A piece of advice I have for young people is to always strive to keep perspective. As young people, we will achieve many things but may also feel disappointed by other shortcomings. It is ok to feel disappointed, because feeling like this reflects how much you care! However, it is vital that you understand that no matter what we go through, there is always a lesson; there is always some sort of value to the experience. Therefore, the more things we experience, regardless of good or bad, we come out with valuable knowledge, and a strengthened set of skills to conquer future obstacles!
