‘I wanted to be cool’: How ‘eshay culture’ nearly robbed a teen of her future

The Gold Coast’s worsening “eshay culture” nearly robbed a teen of her future. This is how she turned her life around.

Standing in front of over 100 of the Gold Coast’s most influential women – 17-year-old Jessica Powell described how the city’s “eshay culture” nearly robbed her of a bright future.

From hollering at incoming traffic to vandalising public property and even stealing cars, the Gold Coast’s young eshays roam the streets, acting above the law.

For impressionable and vulnerable students, Jessica said, the appeal was not only being part of the “cool kids” but also a sense of belonging.

“I was young and I was stupid and I just wanted to be cool like everybody else – but also personal experiences and family issues,” the Burleigh Waters local said.

“Looking back, I went down the wrong path – I was influenced by these older kids who I thought were cool and believed they wanted the best for me.”

Speaking at the 18th Women of Influence ‘Annual Great Debate’, Jessica said it wasn’t until she moved to Arcadia College at the age of 15 that she realised she didn’t want to live that kind of life.

Arcadia College principal Tahlia McGahey (left) with year 12 student Jessica Powell and teacher Sam Dunemann at the 2023 Women of Influence annual great debate. Picture: Amaani Siddeek

“I remember speaking to teachers and the other students and just realising that eshay culture isn’t for me. These teachers actually cared about me,” she said.

“Then I realised, I really wanted to do better for my family and for myself – I wanted to be someone who helped others.”

Samantha Dunemann, a teacher at the school, said the key to changing a young person’s life was about showing up consistently.

Ms Dunemann said: “Each individual student comes with their own challenges. But being a teacher is about being that consistent person turning up every day, showing them there is a safe place and that their choices impact their lives.”

Jessica now volunteers as a peer leader at Arcadia College and is undertaking a university step program at Southern Cross University in order to become a nurse.

Arcadia College principle Tahlia McGahey said: “We’re just so proud, and it’s an absolute privilege to lead such an amazing educational pathway for young people.”

“Most youth these days are misunderstood and judged, but I think providing them alternative pathways and showing them positive behaviours is what these young people need.”

Jessica added: “A few years ago I never would have dreamed of becoming a nurse. Now I want to be able to grow and to help others grow as well.”

Originally published as ‘I wanted to be cool’: How ‘eshay culture’ nearly robbed a teen of her future