Fleurieu future leader and musician Josh Moorhouse shares his difficult journey to self-confidence
JOSH Moorhouse’s musical talents were clear, but last year, the teacher found himself feeling worthless, incapable and “drowning in a sea of unrealistic expectations”.
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JOSH Moorhouse’s musical talents were clear — he was studying at TAFE by age 15 and accepted into a jazz program at the Elder Conservatorium three years later.
But last year, the teacher found himself feeling worthless, incapable and “drowning in a sea of unrealistic expectations”.
“I was doing all these things that on the surface should look quite successful,” the Morphett Vale man said. “But at my core, I never truly believed in myself — I never really had confidence in myself or in my ability as a musician.”
The 24-year-old moved back home and spent time in hospital recovering from personal illness.
Since then, Moorhouse has turned a corner and this year, he was accepted into Bendigo Community Bank’s Fleurieu Future Leaders Program, winning about $6800 in scholarships from the bank and Onkaparinga Council.
He’s among 20 young people from across the peninsula learning about leadership skills, business law and creating business plans.
“One of the most amazing things about being involved with a program like this is you surround yourself with people that are also doing great things and it just keeps inspiring you every day,” Moorhouse says. “I want to be a positive influence and inspire other people — right now I’m working on various platforms to do that.”
Moorhouse says through Onkaparinga Council’s youth enterprise hub program, he found a place where his ideas were valued and implemented, helping grow his confidence.
“It just started with me needing a space where I could be comfortable to express the version of myself who I wanted to be,” he says. Soon after, he joined the steering committee for the group, which organises networking events with keynote business speakers, and helps members with branding and special interest courses. He is also involved with the leadership group at Base 10 (formerly called Reynella Youth Centre), volunteers at Wardli Youth Centre in Christie Downs and is shadowing a community development officer at Onkaparinga. Moorhouse hopes to soon begin teaching piano either at home or Base 10, and through the Fleurieu Future Leaders Program, is working on plans for a new youth program.
“Long term, the businesses that I create will have a focus on community work, music and creativity,” he says. “It’s a journey to discover what that looks like.”
Onkaparinga Youth Enterprise Hub, formerly based at Colonnades, will relaunch at the Hopgood Theatre on October 10.
Call youth community development officer Wilson Ndung’u on 8384 0535 or email wilson.ndungu@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.