Living on the EDGE: Anne Aliviza Amadi
KENYAN student Anne Aliviza Amadi has a strong passion for social inclusion and believes empowering others will initiate better results.
What’s your name?
My name is Anne.
Where are you from? Where and what course or program are you doing?
I am from Kenya. I recently graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Social Work with honours.
How long have you been in Melbourne for and why did you choose to come to Melbourne? Did you come alone or with family?
Time does fly. I have been in Melbourne for three and a half years. A friend of mine recommended Melbourne as an ideal place to study and as well explore.
Did you come alone or with family?
I came alone and I did miss my family and friends, but I have made a lots of good friends from work, university and church.
What got you into the EDGE program? And what are you expecting to get from the program?
My volunteer work and social work background – I have a strong passion for social inclusion, and the City of Melbourne has initiated various programs and activities to increase international student’s experience.
I expect to expand my knowledge, network and carve out my place/position in a global market.
What does leadership mean to you?
I believe leadership is working collaboratively with an individual, group, or community to accomplish a task. A good leader should “walk the talk”.
What or who do you draw inspiration from, and why?
I draw inspiration from my father. Dad was an exceptional listener, humble and charismatic, not only to his family and friends but also people around him.
I also draw my inspiration from Bill Gates, his famous quotes “… if you show people the problem and you show them the solution then they will act”. I believe empowering others will initiate better results.
If you could champion one cause for international students in Melbourne, what would it be?
From a social work background, an ideal cause will be one that recognises the need to empower newly arrived international students in Melbourne. The entry stage is strategic and will enable international students integrate into the community, reduce social isolation and enhance academic performance. It’s important to consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, as self actualization can only be attained when the other first four needs have been met.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love the internet (it is an easy and cheaper way of communicating with my family and friends), I love dancing, good music and great company.
Where is your favourite spot to hang out in Melbourne?
I like going out for dinner and dancing in Brunswick, it’s got a suburban/city atmosphere. Most of my university mates live around Brunswick. Elwood beach is also another favourite spot.
What song gets you pumped or excited? Think Eye of the Tiger or Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” or any Bon Jovi track.
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson. My favourite part it “what doesn’t kill you makes you a fighter….”
Nibebe by Nyota Ndogo from Kenyan.
If I had a million dollars I would…
Woooh!! That’s 91,000 000 Kenyan shillings. Holiday holiday holiday! My last holiday was in 2009, but I will spend about 100,000 Kenyan shillings.
Other than that, I will definitely invest – but research and inquire from reliable networks before investing.
I will also spend on sustainable projects that will increase a better outcome for women’s health, especially for women living with HIV/AIDs. I will empower women to generate income using the available resources within the community.
If I only had $5 I would… find a way of making it $10; I just have to be innovative.
Anne is among the 20 international student leaders selected to take part in the City of Melbourne’s EDGE 2012 program.