Name: Angelique (Angie) Dunlevie
Age: 24
School & grad year: Beaconhills College Berwick, Class of 2013
yLead involvement: ASLC Melb 2015-2020, SLC 2016-2018 & 2020, Rangatira 2016, Help Out 2015, Thrill Out 2016, MAD 2015 & 2016, Altitude Day Melb 2014-2019
Favourite quote: ‘Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.’
A: Angie! You are a rock amongst the yLead family, you’ve been involved since 2013. Tell us why you love yLead/what you get out of it, and why you have stuck around for so long.
A: yLead had a huge impact on me personally in 2013 as a student and it was an environment that allowed me to really explore who I was and over the years come to a place where I felt well and truly comfortable in my own skin. Knowing this, I love the fact that I now get to help facilitate and create this experience for other young people and see their transformation. I know first hand the value of this and I’ve met so many incredible people and made so many wonderful friendships that yLead just continues to hold a special place in my heart.
A: Outside of yLead, you do some incredibly meaningful work… tell us all about your job and why you love what you do!
A: I’m really privileged to do the work that I do, day in and day out, and I absolutely love going to work each day. I’m a Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Nurse, so my job involves working with babies and their families in the first days, weeks and months of their lives. My work is extremely diverse; some days I’m at the bedside with a tiny 500g baby, other days I’m at deliveries supporting babies as they enter the world and other days you’re helping first time parents learn to bath and feed their babies before they go home. I love my work because of the diversity and the connections you make with the families. You’re supporting them in one of the most stressful times of their lives and it’s such a privilege. In saying that, death and loss is common in the NICU but it’s about the memories and time that you get to facilitate with the family and their baby no matter how long or short their life is, its unbelievably precious.
A: For anyone that hasn’t met you before, describe yourself in 3 words.
A: Kind, Authentic & Honest
A: What’s a lesson or something you’ve been working on over the last month. Any big goals for 2020 to come?
A: January has been insane! For me the last month I suffered with my physical health, with some back issues and being run down and unwell, so I’ve had a big focus on looking after my body. I work really long shifts and am constantly moving between day and night shifts so exercise, sleep and eating well are big parts of my daily routine to keep me both physically and mentally well. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead. It’s the first year I’m not studying whilst also working so I’m excited to have more ‘free time.’ I haven’t set particular goals as yet but I’m continuing to focus on my health and wellbeing. So far I’m in a team with my gym buddies to complete a Spartan Race in March and already have a hiking/camping trip planned for the long weekend. I think my goal is just to enjoy the extra time I have to fill up my cup with all the things I love and all the things I haven’t been able to do due to the extra study.
A: What would be your biggest piece of advice for our yTeamers – could be anything! yLead or life related!
A: My biggest piece of advice would be to find who you are and live unapologetically as that person. It’s such a journey to move from high school to uni to work and you and your life changes so so much and that can often lead to feeling a little lost and unsure of who you are. Work hard at discovering yourself and never be afraid of being that person. I went through that and looking back it was such a challenge but my gosh it feels so good to be in the place I am now and to be so comfortable in the person that I’ve become.
