Manningham, Whitehorse 2019 school captains share hopes, dreams for future
They’re the next generation of leaders, but what do Melbourne’s school captains really have to offer the community? In one of our most ambitious projects ever, we’ve asked every Year 12 school captain: what difference can your generation make to the world?
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They’re the next generation of leaders, but what do Melbourne’s school captains really have to offer the community?
In one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by Leader Community News, we asked every Year 12 school captain in Melbourne: What difference can your generation make to the world?
The words below are their own and the responses — like the students themselves — are insightful.
They show hope, optimism and a real desire to make a difference, undaunted by the challenges ahead.
And they all show a maturity well beyond their years. Our future is in very good hands.
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LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
GREATER DANDENONG AND KNOX SCHOOL CAPTAINS
BOX HILL HIGH SCHOOL
Tom Yakubowski, 17
The Class of 2019 forms part of a generation where the sociopolitical stars have aligned.
We’re the most accepting and progressive yet.
Moreover, we understand that harnessing and embracing our diversity is a crucial asset.
We also accept the need for positive social change on issues which affect us all.
Our world view combined with the time in our lives where we step out into adulthood and broader society presents us with a unique opportunity.
Our generation has the chance to solve our climate crisis once and for all.
We all see and understand the issues we face and have the resolve to take bold steps to combat the challenge.
We now also have an opportunity to deepen our efforts for reconciliation with indigenous Australians, and welcome those who flee persecution to arrive on our shores. We can be the generation that opens our hearts to humanity, decency and fundamental human rights for all, regardless of who we are.
Together we stand at a pivotal moment in time, with the choice between hate and fear and hope and optimism.
I believe that we are without a doubt the passionate, creative and audacious next generation the world needs to take on unprecedented challenges and opportunities.
Now is our time to shine.
BOX HILL SENIOR SECONDARY COLLEGE
Cooper Prelorenzo, 17
I believe our generation will have a dramatic impact to society. This generation is more accepting of individuals no matter the race, colour or sexuality.
Progressively each generation has become more welcoming of individuals, which will allow us to broaden our knowledge, become economically, politically, and socially better off.
Our generation are problem solvers because of technology, which past generations didn’t have access to.
The way we learn has evolved allowing for a more collaborative style. This allows us to have a more complex understanding of the world and to solve issues.
Frankie Cheshire, 17
In the news there’s a lot of talk on climate change and I’m disgusted to know that the Australian government has no climate change action plan. They’re acting like it will go away. It’s been more than 10 years that we’ve been told “it's the hottest year on record” yet nobody in the adult world seems concerned about the future of the planet.
I hate to be a realist, but we haven’t yet created the technology to move planets; if we don’t act soon then we will end up in some WALL-E type dystopia. That said, I believe that our generation can change the world if we work together for good; so lets start now.
DONCASTER SECONDARY COLLEGE
Abbey Caldwell, 17
There is undoubtedly more and more youth who are developing into the young leaders we see today.
It is these youth of our generation, who are the ones making the difference we are beginning to see in our world.
To make a change in our society, our generation must step up and voice their thoughts to create opportunities for not only themselves, but for everyone around them too. It is evidently clear that anyone who even just attempts to make an impact on the world that surrounds them, are the ones who are able to succeed in making that difference and creating an influence. Be that example.
Keishan Hunkar, 17
The youth of today are provided with more opportunities for empowerment and development than is possible to take on. The amount of agency that we have within communities allows us to make the change that we want to see.
Young leaders are taking lead in world issues, humanitarian issues, creating social enterprises to promote change, and starting movements to stand for what they believe in.
The abilities and support networks available to us with technology allow us to reform society to improve it for the better. Our youth are not the leaders of the future, they’re the leaders today.
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MARIBYRNONG AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
HUME, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
EAST DONCASTER SECONDARY COLLEGE
Rebekah Wong, 17 and Lachlan Venning, 17
It is a generation of dreamers and achievers, ambition and wild fantasies. It is littered with a variety of personalities, passions and values. It is this generation that sees the potential for world improvements; whether that be micro or macro.
Much of the older generation sees us as screen addicts, our lives being built around social media platforms — myopic, irresponsible individuals. What do I see? People sharing about their volunteer work on Facebook, the accomplished ecstasy of a finished hike on Instagram, snapchats of friends receiving awards for academia, sports, music.
It is our responsibility to harness the unbelievable technology at our disposal and apply it to solve the issues of increasing world population, sickness and environmental disasters. It will be our generation who will be left with a dying world, no ice caps, a crippled biodiversity and a ‘not so Great’ Barrier Reef. It is now easier than ever to collaborate with great minds anywhere on earth. This worldwide teamwork is what will allow us to make a difference. We are the generation of your questions and our answers. We are Generation Z.
FOREST HILL COLLEGE
Dane Travers, 17 and Jack Baker, 17
Vast and far-reaching advances in technology and education have placed our generation in a unique position where we can affect real change, both now and into the future.
The ever-increasing wealth of information available to us at the touch of a button provides everyone with an opportunity to discover and do more than would have ever been possible before.
The proliferation of access to the internet is a global phenomenon, providing billions of new and eager learners with a way to expand their knowledge while empowering them to speak up and express their opinions.
Undoubtedly, the technology available to our generation from a young age provides us with the perfect opportunity to influence the path that we all take as a planet.
Building on the platform we already have, constant change and innovation means that we’re preparing for jobs and creating new things that, 10 years ago, were never thought to be possible.
As a generation with constant access to a treasure trove of information and several ways to have our voice heard, we wield a great deal of power.
We can be the generation to truly give the voiceless a voice and move the world forward.
KOONUNG SECONDARY
Annaliese Hawkins, 18 and Sebastian Jose, 17
We believe this generation doesn’t give itself enough credit. Whilst entrapped in social standards and political jargon, we still endeavour to understand our society and evolve with changing legislation.
Generation Z is the digital generation who possess the capacity to think beyond ourselves. Whilst we are criticised for our fixation to our devices and social media, we are not always acknowledged for spreading awareness about the events occurring on our planet.
We aspire to create a more egalitarian society and endeavour to be better than those who rule our world and serve themselves instead of their people and lands. We try our best to incorporate fair and thoughtful values into our lives, ranging from fundraising drives at school to rallying in the streets against climate change.
We are happy to start small, survey our fellow students and acquaintances because we want to know what the best things are to do so we can act in everybody’s best interest.
When given a chance, our generation will strive to make an equitable world.
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BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
FRANKSTON AND MORNINGTON PENINSULA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MARCELLIN COLLEGE
Caleb Ostwald, 18
Generation Z. The ones left to face the unfathomable damage left by our predecessors of the past 200 years. The ones who in the face of so much adversity, remain hopeful and positive. I see potential for greatness in everyone and the future of our world.
People like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai, have risen and continue to rise in the faces of the colossi’s in global politics and industry, the ones whose ignorance and inaction has driven much of the world’s despair.
Generation Z can shape the future. In 12 years as the eldest of us turn 36 and the youngest 16, it is our determination, hard work and unity that will decide whether there will be a sustainable future for the generations to come.
To be a part of an inclusive faith learning community as strong as Marcellin College, I have been truly blessed.
Now, I am inspired through drawing on and building upon all the experiences and opportunities which have been part of my formation. As members of Generation Z and a product of Marcellin College, I feel that our community has the potential for huge positive change in our world.
MOUNT SCOPUS MEMORIAL COLLEGE
Josh Peker, 17 and Mia Komesaroff, 17
In our preparation to create significant change in the world, the adolescents of Generation Z have placed an emphasis on learning to become multidimensional people, preparing for a rapidly changing world by combining knowledge and a passion for activism.
In a world containing careers that are yet to be imagined, a world where communication and interaction are easier than ever, we believe that our generation can spark a world of no limitations.
We must inspire the world with the youthful passion that pervades our schools and communities, teaching that we should not be limited in our endeavours, but rather we should persevere through communal action and dedication to a common cause.
Growing up in an era of rapid social change, our generation has been educated on the importance of sensitivity to others.
Imparted with these skills to kickstart change, it is now up to our generation to fulfil our potential, being active citizens, leaders creating more leaders to create the world that we envision.
MULLAUNA COLLEGE
Shaye Arnel, 17 and Harrison Ogden-Carr, 17
Pollution, climate change and renewable energy are some of the biggest threats to our generation and generations to come. With greater education, greater funding and strong public voices, our generation can begin to put the environment first and reverse the damage on the environment that previous generations have caused.
Further, equality is something we are all striving to achieve and with the recent events of young women like Eurydice Dixon and Aiia Maasarwe’s brutal murders, issues surrounding equality have come into question again.
Our generation has the ability and need to work towards a society, where no matter what gender, race or religion you are, you feel safe and accepted, wherever you go.
Our generation is seeing great steps being taken towards equality across the globe. If we listen to what is happening around the world and take the right steps, we create a community that speaks for those with no voice of their own, and place pressure on people to hold themselves accountable for issues that affect millions daily.
NUNAWADING CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Amy Rankin, 17
One thing that our generation has that no one before us has ever experienced, is the abundance of knowledge.
We can discover a million different ways to reduce environmental damage at the touch of a finger or share an encouraging thought with hundreds of people through a simple app on our phone.
Using these platforms, our generation can advocate for global equality, environmental improvement, a healthy lifestyle, increased positivity, and much more. We can be the generation that takes a stand.
Matthew Conlon, 17
Our generation has all the tools necessary to change the world.
We can help bring people up from everywhere, whether it be on the other side of the world or the other side of your fence.
It could be donating a bit of money to charity or helping someone carry their groceries.
These small steps create a safer and selfless community which can (over time) change the world. If everyone in our generation was to perform a few good deeds, the world would change, after all, a little compassion goes a long way.
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MOORABBIN AND MORDIALLOC CHELSEA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORELAND, NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS
OUR LADY OF SION COLLEGE
Grace Hartman, 17
Our generation has the power to use our individual and collective voices to create change and justice within our country and the world.
Through social media and a greater respect for younger generations’ opinion we can cause immense difference and progression, to help those who are marginalised and voice our concerns for our future.
We should take on every opportunity to cause change in areas we see need, not only in positions of leadership in our school but throughout the community. Now more than ever we are called to voice our concerns, strive for justice and make the world a place to be proud of.
Sally Collins, 17
As Millennials there are doubts placed upon us as we face criticism for things we have no power over, like being born into the new technological era.
Through this era, social media plays a huge part in our generation’s lives. As negative as social media stigma can be, we are more than capable to gain better understandings of the world and use it for positive benefits to fuel change.
Our generation can show how to love instead of hate and to give instead of take.
We are determined to further express kindness and compassion to show how our generation can change the world.
WHITEFRIARS COLLEGE
Nicholas Beltrami, 19
Our generation is often portrayed as ‘entitled’, ‘selfish’ and ‘lazy’, however these negative descriptors fail to convey the truth. We are tomorrow’s leaders and will undoubtedly change the world for the better. Our generation can make a difference because we are grounded in a model of servant leadership for the benefit of others rather than self. We are curious, creative and innovative as a result of our technology-infused youth. Such qualities will enable us to discover solutions to some of the most pressing global issues, like poverty, famine, conflict and climate change. We are determined and we are ambitious. Our generation is the future and the future is bright.
Alex Vander, 18
Our ‘centennial’ strength derives from a previously inconceivable connectedness. Our world is becoming increasingly global in communication and attitude. We account for approximately one third of the world’s population and our tendency to see differences in a more positive light leads us to be the most accepting generation yet. Despite our association with technology dependence, I believe our ability to progress and access more information and connection than ever before, will lead to great achievements. If we can learn from and truly understand the values of today’s leaders — we will lead exponential world progress in our time.
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