Empowering Youth Voices: My Leadership Journey from Chennai to Adelaide
Hi, I'm Tanish Manivel. I was born in Chennai, India, and lived there until I was 15 years old. During my time in Chennai, I held several leadership roles at my school, including serving as the Senior House Prefect from 2019 to 2022. During this time, I faced various challenges and honed my skills in event organizing and time management. Additionally, I was the Sports Captain from 2018 to 2021, where I organized numerous sports events and created a leadership committee to foster teamwork and sportsmanship. In 2022, I was appointed as the Deputy Head Prefect, a role I held until July 2023, before moving to Adelaide.
In Adelaide, I’ve continued my leadership journey with great enthusiasm. Currently, I serve as the Senior House Prefect at my school, leading with a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. I am also aspiring to become the Student Head Prefect, with hopes to be appointed by this weekend. Beyond school, I am an active member of the Youth Advisory Committee of Campbelltown Council, where I contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing youth involvement and community wellbeing. My volunteer work with the Youth Crew allows me to engage with and support various community projects and events.
Moreover, I am actively involved in the South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC), a platform that enables me to voice student concerns and drive meaningful changes in the educational landscape. One of my proudest achievements has been my election as a Student Ambassador, a role that has provided me with invaluable opportunities to represent my school and community at various events and forums. My passion for civic engagement and youth advocacy led me to participate in the YMCA South Australia Youth Parliament, where I was honoured to serve as the Speaker for the House of Assembly, guiding debates and discussions on important issues affecting our society.
Recently, I attended the Social Media Summit at the Adelaide Convention Centre, an experience that has inspired me to draft and publish a perspective report on the insights gained from the summit. Additionally, I am deeply connected to my cultural roots and enjoy being an active participant in UVAGAI, a club that celebrates South Indian culture through various events, including food, art, music, fashion, and heritage activities. I am also a member of the South Australia Tamil Students Society, which allows me to connect with other Tamil students and promote our culture within the community.
In addition to these roles, I have participated in a variety of youth-focused meetings and summits in Adelaide, including the Youth Forum Meeting, YAC Summit Meeting, Teen Summit Meetings, Student Summit Meeting, and the Eastern Secondary Student Leaders Meeting. Furthermore, I hold the positions of Mentor Group Representative, Year Level Representative, and Student Representative at my school, where I continue to advocate for my peers and contribute to the school community.
My journey is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a passion for leadership, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in my community. I am truly grateful for the guidance, support, and opportunities that have shaped my path, and I look forward to continuing to serve and uplift those around me.