VCE Achiever
Jesse Poulton – Newhaven College
For Jesse Poulton from Newhaven College, Year 9 marked a turning point in his life when he attended a school camp which encouraged him to change the way he viewed the world. It inspired him to think about environmental and global issues in a different way. It transformed him from a ‘stereotypical Gen-Y boy’ to a person who cared about issues and wanted to dedicate himself to improving the lives of others.
‘Through this experience I started to embrace the idea of “act locally, think globally”. I started to understand and think about poverty differently. I came out of that experience a better person.’
Now in his final year of VCE, Jesse has spent the last few years raising awareness and funds for many worthy causes. However, it is his work for World Vision that has made the greatest impact.
In recognition of his many outstanding fundraising efforts for the 40-Hour Famine, World Vision chose Jesse as one of six Youth Ambassadors to travel to Cambodia. He reflects on his trip to Cambodia as an ‘amazingly transformative experience which changed the way I viewed the world and the things I value’.
‘I saw real poverty first hand. I now have the power and responsibility to spread the message and educate people on the suffering I have witnessed.’
Jesse will soon be taking his message to the rest of Victoria, talking to hundreds of people at the Global Leaders Convention (GLC) and to schools about the global food shortage.
On top of his commitments to World Vision Jesse has been involved in raising awareness for other causes, including lobbying the federal government on ‘Fair-Trade’ products.
Within his community and school Jesse is recognised as a young leader and role model to others. He is a keen sports person and has captained the local football and cricket teams. At school he is a school captain, a member of the Sustainability Action Group and is recognised as a person who leads by example. ‘I strive to be a good example for others, especially with the younger students who tend to take notice and look up to older kids.’
Jesse credits his upbringing and his school for helping to foster his sense of social justice. In particular it is the school’s support and flexibility that makes his extracurricular involvement possible. ‘The person I have become is a result of the good work they have done. I am now paying it forward.’
Juggling so many responsibilities can be difficult but Jesse takes it in his stride and manages it all by being extremely organised. He anticipates that it will be even more hectic when the 40-Hour Famine campaign and the GLC tour begin in August. However, for Jesse it is all worth while. ‘It is a great feeling being able to help others and to make a difference in their lives, whether it is big or small. The work I do makes me more optimistic about the future.’
As for Jesse’s future he plans to stay involved with World Vision for many years to come. He is looking forward to a break from study next year and working, before embarking on further study. ‘I am still deciding what I want to do. I have been thinking about physiotherapy and photography, but most recently it has been engineering and architecture. My long-term goal would be to work for Engineers Without Borders.’
The VCE Achiever Award is coordinated by the VCAA to recognise the efforts of VCE students in promoting community involvement in their local school and wider community. VCE Achievers actively participate in such activities as the arts, environmental protection, aged care, hospitality, local council initiatives, fundraising and public speaking. Monthly finalists receive a three-month subscription to the Herald Sun, and in December one overall winner will receive a notepad computer donated by Lenovo Australia. Students in government, Catholic and independent schools may apply for the award in 2009 by using the application form on the VCAA website (Excellence and Awards > VCE Achiever Award).
