Student profile
Harini Amarasinghe
Commerce & Law student
Program: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Why did you get involved in the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
When I first thought of getting involved in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award I was at high school and the reason I wanted to participate was that I realised that I wasn't really making use of the extra-curricular opportunities offered; this was a way of making myself get involved!
What did you do for the different sections of the Award?
Physical recreation: Tennis
Skill: Speech & drama
Service: Volunteering at the After School Care (ASC) program of my old school.
Adventurous journey: Bush walking
Residential project: Asia Pacific Model United Nations Conference
What do you think you have learnt from the experience?
I was apprehensive of the time needed to complete some of the activities especially as I was approaching my VCE year, but ultimately I realised that with some pre-planning it could be done. I've benefited by gaining time management skills but also I've had a lot of experiences I would not otherwise have had.
Describe the highlight of your Duke's experience.
The highlight would have to be the residential project. I took part in the Asia Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC) held in Adelaide, South Australia. It was the first time I had been to Adelaide and I went alone, not knowing any other participants. I met some wonderful people and learned a lot about the United Nations in the process. It was a brilliant week that forced me out of my comfort zone.