Participant Testimonials

“Ancora enabled me to better appreciate other people’s perspectives and also help me understand the critical role our generation will play in the future, especially in the context of shaping policy and influencing change”  
Matthew Budahazy, 2010

“Ancora Imparo gave me the valuable experience of working with talented, captivating individuals who have further-broadened my view on what opportunities are available to young people and the limitless potential they have in pursuit of their dreams”
Tim Duivenvoorden, 2010

“I now have a greater comprehension of what it takes to be an effective leader after having the opportunity to meet with an discuss leadership issues with prominent leaders from diverse range of fields” 
Michael Dunlop, 2010

“From learning about the many different aspects of leadership to discovering ways in which we, the young leaders of the future, are able to challenge some of the biggest issues we face in society, I have grown as a person in developing my leadership skills that can be applied to everyday life and realised how we can all make a difference” 
Jacqui Duong, 2010

“It’s one thing to read about influential leaders and their work; another to actually meet some and get a chance to relate to their experiences. Ancora Imparo provided me with many opportunities to do this in 2009 through interactive forums with guest speakers, as well as a number of leadership events. Also, interacting with other like-minded students definitely helped me in gaining that little extra confidence in myself that really can really make a difference. I enjoyed every part of the program and highly recommend it to everyone.”
Swetha Ghatty, 2009

“The Ancora Imparo Leadership program united forty students from across campuses, all from different backgrounds, but all with passion for an individual cause. Throughout the year we proceeded to challenge and learn about leadership, not only from one another, but from influential members of society such as Julian Burnside, Mark Baker, and General Peter Cosgrove. It has been an inspirational year during which we have developed new friendships and debated many of the issues present in society today.”
Genna Verbeek, 2009

“The Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program is truly definitive of a Monash University education. My experience with the program has enhanced my degree and added another dimension to my academic studies. The program is not just about leadership training, it is about making us aware of current and emerging issues on the global front and empowering us to go boldly and act not for our own self-interest, but for the benefit of others.”
Adam Ch’ng, 2008

“An experience that brings surprises, cements life-long friendships, challenges beliefs, supports free thought and result in individuals striving for a better world....one step at a time.”
Michelle Simberg, 2008

“By participating in the Ancora Imparo program, I was able to improve my leadership, public speaking and vocational skills through attending the many guest speakers, workshops and (free!) lunches provided. I would highly recommend this program to anyone wishing to expand their horizons, or most of all simply want to meet a bunch of like-minded great new people.”
Ajai Verma, 2008

“This program had provided me the pathway to greater knowledge about the workings of the world. My interactions with leaders from different walks of the Australian community through the program was deeply enriching; their passionate messages gave me new perspectives on a wide array of issues, and opened up my mind and my heart. But most importantly, the Ancora Imparo leadership program opened up for me the invaluable opportunity of making many long-lasting friendships.”
Xin Nie, 2008

“My year with the Ancora Imparo Program opened doors, broadened horizons, challenged, educated and inspired me. More importantly however, the experience introduced me to a group of exceptional young people. Through the program, I was able to engage with students from other faculties, degrees and backgrounds, while sharing ideals founded upon the common aspiration of making a difference in society. These young people I have come to admire, respect and with whom had the privilege of forging friendships that I hope to carry with me for many years to come.”
David Humphreys, 2007

“The Ancora Imparo program built my confidence and altruism. I better appreciate that leadership comes in a range of dimension not restricted to the conventional ways of being the ‘best’ or the ‘first’. This has made me pursue the areas in which I am interested and passionate about rather than the ones for which I can be at the top.”
Nadine Ata, 2007

“An exceptional program. It gave the students a lot of confidence and support for their future endeavours.”
Ken Teo, 2007

“Ancora Imparo is an amazing program! In many respects it is Monash University’s very own 2020 summit! Meeting once a month with groups of like-minded students to debate and discuss the issues facing contemporary society was such an eye opener. The other participants of the program came from various faculties and their different backgrounds and beliefs made the discussions a lively affair. I enjoyed every moment of the program and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is interested in making a difference to the future of our world.”
Stephanie Mitchell, 2006

“Overall I found the Ancora Imparo Leadership Program to be a fantastic experience. It allowed me the opportunity to make network of friends from different faculties of the university. The friends that I made through the program have been a great support to me over the past two years. Furthermore, the program assisted me in gaining greater confidence in my leadership skills, public speaking, research skills and in my community awareness. I strongly recommend that all first year Monash students consider applying for the Ancora Imparo Leadership Program.”
Laura Wilson, 2006