Dani McInroe

I am a student transitioning between secondary and tertiary study. At my secondary school, Onslow College, I was very engaged in school life and through clubs and programmes, helped raise everybody's mana.

• Year 9 Peer Supporter: As a senior student (year 13) I undertook leadership training so that I could provide new entrants to secondary school with year-long structured introduction to school life and responsibilities at Onslow College. This allowed me to use my personal skills to assist them through any learning or personal struggles and to make sure they were looked after and got the most they could out of the school systems.

• Gateway programme: Teaching assistant at West Park school: Over a period of Approximately 18 weeks in 2022, I was given the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for two junior classes. I was given first-hand experience working in classrooms where I was able to assist students with their learning objectives and personal matters. Among the students I helped, some of them required more help in the learning process due to special needs, to which I was always ready to help them where needed.

• Captain of the OC Physics Team: I oversaw and helped in the tutoring and preparation new students who are interested in physics tournaments. I talked with fellow club members and tournament organisers to ensure events were run as smoothly as possible. I also Gave talks and demonstrations in front of crowds and classrooms to promote our club. As a result of my work, I was given an award for Onslow College's Academic group for 2023.

• Member of the OC Rainbow Committee: By acting as a connection between school administration and the student body, this committee was able to make progressive change in our school that increased inclusivity and quality of life for students. Some of the changes we made were: we made it easier for trans-students to have their preferred details changed in the school system, ensured teachers understood and respected the identity of their students, and maintained that diversity is a cornerstone of the school's key values.