Written by Laura Swift, Student Experience Co-ordinator, MC Diplomas

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend The Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Leadership Program Certificate Presentation and within moments of walking into the exhibition space, I was greeted by our past Monash College students who were selected for this prestigious program.

It was hard to recognise our past students as they were dressed in formal attire, looking extremely sophisticated for the occasion. I was immediately proud of the students and remembered that only 12 months ago I was involved in assessing their applications. Students really had to ensure they stood out from other candidates by proving their skills, knowledge and suitability for the leadership program.

After their selection, Monash College received the news that five past students had successfully secured a position in the elite program. This was a momentous achievement, not only for the students but also Monash College, as this was the highest number of positions secured by our past students: 5 out of 40 available spots.

Throughout the program, participants attended regular workshops and seminars by keynote speakers and achieved amazing success from the program. Students had the opportunity to attend interstate conferences or contributed to overseas aid work. MC student, Amena, was inspired from the program and decided to use her $500 scholarship to set up her own business selling goods purchased from third world countries to assist individuals living in poverty.

Professor David Copolov (Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of the program) summed up the program by saying: "It is not what lies ahead of us, nor what lies behind us; it is what lies within us that is important for the future". Professor Ed Byrne, Vice Chancellor was extremely proud of the participants, explaining that receiving a position in the Ancora Imparo program establishes a foundation for future success. Each participant was thrilled to be presented with a certificate from Professor Ed Byrne.

It was great seeing the five past Monash College students 12 months on from completing their Diploma and witnessing their achievement. It is clear that these students have developed as individuals. We wish them all the best for the future and look forward to hearing about future leadership endeavours.

Looking to the year ahead, congratulations to two more of our past Monash College students Fatema Hasan Abdulla Abbas Husain and Tasnim Zawfir Ziard who have successful secured a spot in the 2013 Vice Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program. For more information about the Vice-Chancellors' Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program, please visit the Monash Uni website.