Hi, my name is Paolo Masangcay. I am a final year medical student from Deakin University and the President of Deakin Medical Students’ Association (MeDUSA) in 2021. As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines who grew up in a disadvantaged area, I value collegiality and a sense of community above all else. As a leader, my priorities have always been to support others through empowerment. With a knack for creative ideas, unique problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused mindset, I believe I have made a profound impact on the medical community at the School of Medicine within Deakin University, MeDUSA and the Medical Students’ Council of Victoria (MSCV). I believe I am the ideal candidate for the Deakin Hallmark – Leadership Excellence award.