Young Australians of the Year inspire Year 10 students
When juggling with exams, tests and homework, we can become involved with our own personal struggles and our self. We forget those who have it worse than us and those who make productive efforts to give much more to the world then the everyday norm.
On 19 May, ten Year 10 students had a reality check. Accompanied by Mr Murphy, we took off to UWA. After struggling to find a carpark and walking through UWA's large campus, we finally arrived at the Octagon Theatre. We sat down, not expecting to be changed so much by what we would hear.
We were inspired by three speakers; Abdullahi Alim, Bridie Duggan and Catherine Hughes; all Young Australians of the Year. They told us of their moving stories and how they used these experiences and turned them into something positive.
Catherine began the formal session by telling us her compelling story about her son Riley, who died at just 32 days old from Whooping Cough. His unfortunate death sparked outrage in Catherine and she took action. Today and thanks to Catherine, the Whooping Cough vaccine is now free for all expecting mothers in Australia.
Bridie told us about her two friends who had committed suicide. After dealing with her grief, Bridie began fundraising for suicide awareness in Darwin and raised a substantial amount of money through her '100 burpees a day challenge'. If anyone has not completed a burpee before, I would advise you to youtube it – try 10 let alone 100!
Finally, Abdullahi, an inspirational young man, told us of his refugee upbringing in Australia having moved from Somalia. Through his innovation, he is seeking rights for immigrants to work in positions they are qualified for.
Joined by other schools we were inspired to take action, turn a negative into a positive and make a change. It was truly an eye-opening experience we will not forget.
Molly Smith
Year 10 Columba