Starting a new life overseas is never easy but for events management student, Forence Dupuche, from Joondanna, a determination to succeed has landed her the title of International Student of the Year at the 2008 Central TAFE Awards.
Florence, who hails from Mauritius, impressed judges with her team and leadership skills and her dream to develop the events area within the tourism industry of her home country.
During her studies she has been an asset to any team she works with. As a driving force behind Central TAFE’s 2007 Cultural Week, Forence was instrumental in negotiating high level sponsorships from international companies including Air Mauritius.
In an industry where communication skills are paramount, Florence, who works part time at an events company, overcame many of the barriers faced by international students including the often insurmountable language barriers.
“It was not easy to leave my family and friends and start a new live in Perth,” she has said. “But I have learned that even in hard times I have to stay focused on my priorities. I have learned to be a winner in any circumstance.”