Passions fuel the greatest hard work: Delaram Ansari

Since a young age, Delaram Ansari always knew of her passion for health and biology. Moving to Australia in 2011 from Iran, Delaram wasted no time in taking her first strides towards her goal of becoming a nutrition scientist when, during her year 12 open-day, she realised her passion for health. Teamed with a passion for education, opportunity and gender equality, Delaram strives to contribute her ever-developing skills to creating a world that rids nutrition inequality within communities.

Delaram’s desire to help others (partnered with a strong history of academic excellence) rendered no surprise when she joined us here at Monash University to undertake a Bachelor of Nutrition Science in 2016. For Delaram, it was her first steps toward her career goals through providing her with the education necessary (and the mentoring and foundation networks required) to get her on track. 

“Joining Monash University allowed me to study what I love” smiled Delaram. “It provided me with a platform to continue my love of getting involved with – and giving back – to the community. I can say that without any doubt, many staff members have had both direct and indirect impact on my achievements during my time at Monash university.”

Undertaking countless opportunities to enhance her leadership and volunteering experience, Delaram has been on the receiving end of several prestigious awards in recognition of her hard work and passion for nutrition science (all achieved only within her second year of undergraduate studies). Of these two awards, one included her as the recipient of the ‘King and Amy O’Malley Trust’ undergraduate scholarship. 

The scholarship, named after Australian parliamentarian King O’Malley and his wife, Amy, is offered to students applying for (or enrolled in) tertiary home economics or equivalent programs (such as teaching, nutrition and dietetics). For Delaram, receiving this scholarship was both a recognition of her strong academic achievement and a means for continued growth within (and outside) the community. 

“I feel honoured to have received this scholarship and it will shape my continued journey on to pursue my love of nutrition/public health and give back to the community” commented Delaram. Of course, her success did not stop there.

As a student at Monash University, Delaram was offered the opportunity to take part in the Vice Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program (VC), in which she participated in in 2017.VC is unique initiative offered by Monash University to second year undergraduate students who display significant leadership and academic potential. The program offers selectees to participant in a range of events including a program residential; a fully funded, three-day off campus workshop involving senior staff, key speakers and students. Another program included the Service Learning Project, which Delaram particularly enjoyed. 

“One of the highlights of this program has been the chance to take part in a Service Learning Project” commented Delaram. “I chose to work with the organisation White Ribbon which aims to prevent violence against women. This project gave me the distinct pleasure of working for a cause that I care deeply about.”

With a strong future ahead, Delaram looks forward to another exciting and challenging year, continually pursuing her dream at transforming nutrition in communities. When asked about just starting her studies, Delaram has didn’t hesitate, offering up the advice that’s served her so well.  

“Take on any opportunity—even if it falls outside the nutrition science field” commented Delaram. “Whether you choose to be a nutritional professional, advocate and/or leader in the future or not. Don’t underestimate the opportunity to learn more skills or get to know people from diverse fields. Put yourself out there and extend your boundaries. Rejection and failure will happen at some point, but persistence and passion will get you where you want to be.” 

 Delaram Ansari  

The presentation ceremony in which Delaram received her VC Leadership certificate from Simon Vincent McKeon AO, Chancellor of Monash University.

Delaram with some of her her fellow Ancorans on VC graduation night.