Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley 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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AVE MARIA COLLEGE
Natalie Cierpisz, 17 and Eliza Gollant, 17
When considering the difference our leaders can make to the world on a hyperlocal scale we believe that instead of planning to change we could aim to maintain.
In a rapidly developing world the quality of life we have been fortunate to experience may not be everlasting.
As leaders of tomorrow we wish to maintain and thrive off a community based focus through inspiring following generations to understand the importance of compassion and opportunity that arises from being within a positive society.
As young women, we believe that our generation of female activists has a promising future ahead — we empower each other to make our mark on the world.
Our generation is made up of leaders of tomorrow, who are alert and passionate about what needs to happen to ensure a fruitful, sustainable future.
We have reached a point in history where climate change is having drastic effects on our environment.
By actively advocating for change, we will work towards a prosperous future.
BRAYBROOK COLLEGE
Arif Japuki, 17 and Jenny Hang, 17
Our generation lives in a period of extreme, yet important social change.
Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of this change in terms of multiculturalism, gender, the LGBTIQ+ community and mental health.
We have already seen some great changes take place, but more needs to be done.
Hence, it is in the hands of our generation to make a difference in the world, to further drive and implement changes, designed to improve our community and sense of wellbeing.
It is also up to us to tackle other global issues, such as poverty, human rights and global warming. Issues that affect the entirety of the world’s population.
Being part of this generation, not only means we have the ability, but the responsibility to make a difference.
We have been given all the necessary tools needed for change, so we will continue to advance our technologies, to improve social relations, to end poverty, to combat climate change and to ensure everyone is regarded as equal.
we will make the world, a better place for all.
BUCKLEY PARK COLLEGE
Amelia John, 17
A difference, that is already occurring in modern society, is that issues are advocated. We can thank social media platforms for creating opportunities for young people to voice their opinions and advocate for unspoken issues.
For example, the #metoo movement aims to inform the public about sexual harassment and seeks to provide an outlet for survivors to obtain support from the services provided.
I have no doubt that my generation will continue to strive and collaborate to implement strategies to progressively minimise these issues.
Alex Walsh, 17
Change can sometimes be a scary word. Most of the time, people are more than happy to stick to the status quo.
But it is the status quo that can be the most damaging to our progress as a society.
The biggest difference our generation can make is to not be afraid of change — to seek betterment in everything we do. To break the status quo. Our generation will be the change that we want to see instead of waiting for others to make a difference.
CAROLINE CHISHOLM CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Aaron Buttigieg, 17
In reality, we are the future regardless of what can be done. We are inspired by past generations to utilise their ideas to grow from the past and create our own future, our own destiny if you wish.
This generation is vibrant, inclusive and creative when we approach ideas and scenarios. It allows us to be different, like no other and through that we’re unique that separates us from everyone else. Our generation sees things from a different perspective, overcomes obstacles with a new mindset. That’s what we bring to the table.
Sanghaya Creo, 17
Our generation can make a difference by first questioning the systems that are currently in place, challenging the status quo, and offer new perspectives. We may introduce these perspectives into society through significant actions such as letting voices be heard through the ever growing platform of social media, but also in opportunities like the students’ protest against climate change in late 2018.
However, the little things, such as being more welcoming and inclusive of all people regardless of differences and being more environmentally mindful, are greatly effective when like-minded people that are doing the same small thing to make a more socially cohesive society.
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ESSENDON KEILOR COLLEGE
Kurtis Barnard, 18 and Courtney Monro, 17
Throughout humans’ time on Earth, we have managed to completely forget to consider consequences of draining the Earth of its resources.
We have taken fossil fuels from inside the Earth and used them to fuel our industries and have always put our individualistic needs before the environment.
However, within our generation, the realisation of the impact made on the environment has become as clear as day, there are laws and agencies to protect our environment as it is not only one of the most beautiful things ever, it is also crucial in our survival and the millions of animals and plants.
We believe that this generation is going to be the generation of restoring and rebuilding our environment.
LOWTHER HALL ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Elleni Yates, 17
What difference can’t we make is more the question!
Our global generation is the most connected that has ever existed, and being at the forefront of technological communication advancements ensures enriching and sustained international connections.
Our social networks can inspire a collaborative spirit worldwide and already we can see young entrepreneurs and artists coming together to ignite creative thinking.
Additionally, we are more aware of the environment and the pressing predicament of climate change, ergo our generation is constantly inspired to think about our impact on the natural landscape and how we can individually try to live more environmentally friendly lifestyles.
With a profound valuing of education, our generation is enlightened to ideologies of cultural diversity, gender equality, mental health, government transparency and discrimination against indigenous peoples worldwide.
Increasingly we want to broaden our horizons and learn about others.
We are not ignorant to progressive ideas and we know to accept and love others despite our differences.
Homosexuality, empowered female leaders or religious flexibility do not daunt us any longer.
We recognise our similarities based on human experience and do not dwell on the aspects of who we are that have segregated us in the past.
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BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
FRANKSTON AND MORNINGTON PENINSULA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MOUNT ALEXANDER COLLEGE
Ella Klassen, 17
I believe that in general, students have always been more creative, more accepting and more imaginative.
While students are often kept quiet, we are reaching a point in time where students are given more of a platform and if they aren’t given an opportunity to speak out about what they believe in, they make one themselves. We’re now in a more connected world than what we have ever known and our capability to share ideas and grow as a unit is unparalleled.
Us leaders of tomorrow are the ones who understand and know how utilitise the resources to have the most potential to change the world forever.
Jerry Ng, 17
My name’s Jerry and I believe our generation is bold, smart, and intelligent. We have what it takes to lead the world and manage the issues that are coming our way. Such as, global warming, ocean pollution and equality.
Our world is constantly evolving.
Our generation is in luck with all the new technology we have, all we need are leaders who are born ready for anything that comes our way.
No matter the circumstances our generation are full of inspirational people who are ready to take the next step, to help our world become 110% better than it already is!
ROSEHILL SECONDARY COLLEGE
Sarah McNabb, 17
Our generation can use initiative. When we see an issue, we are determined to find an adequate solution.
With advances in STEM we are eager to learn how it can benefit society. From finding solutions to health epidemics such as obesity and cholera to reducing carbon emissions to lessen the impact of climate change.
We want to make a difference that will ensure our children and generations to come will be able to live a comfortable life. Not burdened with fear of limited resources and irreversible climate change.
Our generation will find a way to protect Earth for the future.
Kyle Di Pastena, 17
With young minds comes fresh interpretations of the world around us.
The youthful ideas and concepts of my generation can only bring positive change for the future.
With constant advancements in technology, ease of access tools are becoming more prevalent and wide spread across society allowing us to advance and grow as a civilisation.
My generation also shows a high level of diligence to many issues surrounding our planet.
In doing our part in reducing global warming, my generation is ensuring that our planet will thrive and exist for eons to come.
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PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS
ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE
Faye Shee-Durnion, 17 and Lianna Scalise, 17
As the student leaders of a new generation, growing up in a world with incredible advancements in technology and a constant growing wealth of knowledge, we have the opportunity to make real changes in the world.
It has become more and more apparent in the last year and 2019’s new beginning that leaders all around the world are finding out about issues they care strongly about and must advocate for, with the issue of climate change being at the forefront of political action.
As the saying goes “many hands make light work”, and as the generation recognised as being able to make change for the better, knowing the greater benefits and value that come about when we unite and act as one, we are able to overcome adversities, and strive to make the world a better place.
A place that accepts all, as we breakdown social divides and prejudices, as we continue to understand our differences in the form of sexuality, race, religion, culture and status.
A place that celebrates humanity and appreciates the environment, for which we share.
Together, our generation can make the world a place of love and greater acceptance, where we can foster progress through community.
STRATHMORE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Oshan Wijeratne, 17 and Rebecca Le, 17
As students sitting in history class, we have learned that the goal of world peace has been pursued for centuries. From the Battle Of Methven, to the American Civil War, to World War I and then to World War II, peace has been destroyed by conflicting opinions and greed.
That is, until now; Generation Z. The generation that nobody can seem to understand. The generation that can’t seem to get their noses out of their phones. The generation, that everybody criticises for their incompetence.
But today’s generation is tomorrow’s future and if there’s one thing that us Millennials can change, it’s anything that we want. We’re the first generation that has acknowledged a variety of problems from such a young age. From our understanding of climate change, to world hunger, to inequality between humans, we are the pioneers who will solve these issues.
With an emerging group of young diverse leaders, we are the first generation that has embraced culture rather than ignored it. As such, the Millennials are the ones with the mindset to solve our greatest issues. By loving each other and working together, we will be the generation to solve world peace.