Hi, I’m Vi!
An international student,
community leader, and
passionate advocate for
inclusion, service, and ethical
education.
I’m currently doing a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at Deakin Burwood Campus, as well as supporting students as the first international Vietnamese student elected to the Deakin University Student Association Council, where I represent nearly 60,000 students and work to shape policies that create fairness, visibility, and opportunity for all.
My leadership journey has been driven by one simple belief: every student holds the potential to lead, to serve, and to grow. I don’t lead to be followed, I lead to create space for others to step forward. I empower students to design their own service projects, explore what truly moves them, and uncover their unique strengths. Because when students are given the chance to lead with purpose, they don’t just contribute, they transform. They become the best version of themselves, not by following a path, but by creating one.
My leadership has grown from both passion and hardship. At my core, I am someone who believes in turning struggle into purpose, passion into action, and ideas into real-world impact. Whether through mentoring, advocacy, or sharing a meal, I lead because I care, and because I believe that together, we can build a kinder, stronger community. ​​Through this journey, I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives such as the Survival Guide, the Academic Integrity Campaign, and the Volunteering Hub—projects designed to support, uplift, and empower students across all walks of life.
Every role, every challenge, every cupcake shared has helped me grow into a stronger leader! To the Judging Panel, I hope this portfolio offers you a meaningful insight into my leadership journey, the values that drive my work, and the impact behind the projects I’ve led. To my fellow applicants, I wish you all the best in your pursuit of the Deakin Hallmark for Excellence in Leadership.
