When I first arrived in Melbourne, it was 1995.

The closest thing to a different coloured person I had back home in Ghana was a doll. It was a massive cultural shock! Especially for a 7-year-old.

Today, I see Australia as a mixing pot of cultures and with that, the lucky country! Lucky in a sense that culturally, we are rich and diverse.

When I arrived in Australia, I first lived in Watsonia and attended Watsonia Primary School. My family then moved to Diamond Creek and I attended St. Thomas the Apostle. For High School, I attended Parade College.

The highlight of these schools was that people were both inquisitive and warm. At St Thomas and Parade College, I learnt the skills of being a leader – which to this day I have held steadfast.

As a young adult, I returned to Ghana for the first time since moving away as a child.

The trip gave me a great sense of appreciation at having grown up in a country like Australia and it made me realise that nothing is impossible if I dream enough to be daring.

I feel that multiculturalism in Australia is a wonderful thing – it allows for our taste buds to grow and our knowledge to become power!

I hope for my future in Australia to be full of loyal friendships and relationships and that in life, I may plant the seed of increasing peace.