Moreland, Northcote, Preston, Heidelberg 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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ALPHINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Lukas Houdalakis, 17 and Sotiri Rerakis, 17
As one of history’s most renowned leaders, Alexander the Great, once said: “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”
Whilst our generation may not be about the conquering of peoples and lands, we have different issues and world problems to consider that can’t be solved by a single person.
By adopting the values of team work in order to inspire and influence others, real Change can be achieved.
At Alphington Grammar School, we have a multitude of ethnicities and cultures who have traditionally led separate lifestyles.
Our generation believes that the world needs to be more inclusive in order to excel in an ever evolving world.
We take pride in creating a cohesive community where all cultures feel welcome, safe and are encouraged to strive for excellence.
At our recent 30th anniversary we celebrated our school and held a multicultural event for the local community.
One of the highlights was sharing cultural traditions and learning from each other.
Our international students were making frappes and enjoying sausage sizzles and the local students were preparing dumpling and spring rolls.
A truly multicultural community — that’s how we can, and will, make a difference.
ANTONINE COLLEGE
Michael Nader, 17
The current generation of today is one like no other. Growing up during an insightful era experiencing constant change in technology and the uprise of social media, the knowledge and skills attributed is exceptional.
This generation has adapted innovative skills, which is one of the greatest in making a true difference in the world.
We can make a difference to our world by promoting health and wellbeing, especially at a global level. If optimal health and wellbeing were achieved, then we would easily see an increase in economic and social development and encourage sustainability for our generation and many more to come.
Mariam Wehbe, 17
Faith is a vital aspect in our lives, our current generation are growing in a world of negativity such as significantly high unemployment, crime, pollution, and other respective issues that are damaging our world.
Our firm spiritual beliefs at Antonine College are not only beneficial to our community, but they are reflected unto others in society, where people are given the chance to review their values, and hold fast to the inner compass of conscience.
By following our school motto of “do(ing) unto others” with integrity, I am sure that our generation will move closer to achieving success and happiness in our great country.
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BRUNSWICK SECONDARY COLLEGE
Hannah Rutherford, 17
As globalisation and technological advancement continues to make societies feel like they are running out of room, human impacts are creating dramatic changes to our natural environments.
Environmentalism is at the forefront of our generations psyche, as the scales keep tipping towards devastation.
As we head into the future, I hope our generation can tread more lightly on planet Earth, as its health, and ours, depends on it.
Eric Seychell, 17
In a time where people have become tired of inaction and apathy in politics, it’s been our generation who’ve begun to spearhead the rapid change that we desire. This has manifested in our global social media campaigns on issues such as equality, refugees, asylum seekers and climate change. We’re a generation of great compassion, who are moving beyond what’s not only right by our fellow citizens, but what is right by our world. Our cosmopolitan ideas will help us reframe the way society operates and move us closer to our goals of sustainability and equality.
COBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Mahnoor Maqvi, 17 and Peppa Poultney, 17
Our generation can make a difference to this world through an accumulation of small actions because a big improvement is only achieved through many small steps.
Each little action counts.
With more young people on Earth than ever, if each individual from our generation contributed even a small improvement in the world, it will be a better place for everyone.
The small acts of smiling, warmly greeting and caring for each other begins to spread peace and connection.
Because our generation has inherited many significant issues we are highly aware of the environment, global conflicts and inequalities.
Daily actions like recycling could, in one generation, change the world for future generations.
We can draw on our knowledge of technology, which we have grown up with and comes naturally to us, to support older generations and to lead the next generations who will grow up surrounded by technology too.
We can use our technological resources to educate people around the world to solve some of the major problems we face together, little by little.
We may not finish the job, but future generations after us will be able to continue to build on the steps we’ve taken to improve the world.
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PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS
EAST PRESTON ISLAMIC COLLEGE
Amar Yassine, 17 and Ahmed Yehia, 17
Living in a society where technology is such a prevalent part of our lives, Generation Z have a unique opportunity to change our future by the press of a button.
If technology allows us to unite the world over the love of a video game, then the possibilities to create unity and justice through the same tools are endless.
Despite the flaws that come with Instagram and Snapchat, as digital natives, Gen Z are the first generation who have grown up knowing that there is a platform ready for us to fight for human rights the world over, with ease.
A mixture of action and raising awareness has never been more accessible for those who are socially conscious.
In Islam, we are taught that “the best amongst you are those who bring the most benefit to mankind” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It is also said that we must seek the truth, even if it’s against ourselves.
A flourishing society is established on principles that are based on justice and love.
We have the necessary knowledge and tools at hand to eliminate prejudice and promote true equality for all.
With access to the internet, this generation are able to speak with understanding as the power of knowledge is widespread and free.
GLADSTONE PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE
Leonie Back, 17 and Hayley Lofts, 17
Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.
By this definition the world is going mad, becoming stuck in its own history constantly repeating itself.
We were asked “what difference can your generation make to the world?” But we want to tell you about the differences we are already making to the world.
We have grown up in a time of awareness, with the knowledge of the world literally at our fingertips.
We are the generation that is connected: connected to each other, connected to the planet.
Technology used correctly gives us the opportunity to use our innovation and creativity on a global scale. To induce change on a global scale.
Climate change, masses starving in developing counties and our never ending battle for human rights are all issues that demand collaboration and innovation — skills our generation has in a multitude.
We have the power to induce change — to break the vicious cycle of making the same mistakes as our predecessors.
We are constantly told that we will be the leaders of tomorrow, but why can’t we be the leaders of today?
IVANHOE GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Georgia Martin, 17 and Hannah Price, 17
Ask any member of Generation Z; “What do you fear your future will hold?”
We guarantee that their answer will be “climate change”.
We fear a future affected by extreme weather, drought, species extinction and rising sea levels and temperatures.
We fear having to deal with the consequences of what human activity has done over the last few hundred years. Most of all, we fear being powerless to stop it.
Governments are elected to represent the peoples’ views however, it is clear to us that in terms of climate policy and environmental legislation, Australia’s leaders are not up to the task.
This is why as a generation, we are determined to stand up to the massive threat that is climate change.
In the last few years, we’ve seen young people getting sick of being voiceless and unheard and taking a stand.
The Climate School Strikes and protests are a prime example of this.
Ultimately, we must do something to save our future on this planet before it is too late.
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MERCY COLLEGE
Theodoula Vorenas, 17
I often wonder what difference I can make to the world.
Technology has enabled our generation to act in unison and advocate for change. We can speak out for those who are silenced. Thousands of Victorian students marched for climate action. Thousands of young Australians attended ‘Invasion Day’ rallies. Yet we are often stereotyped as ‘lazy’ and ‘self-centred’. We are the future. We are hardworking and we are passionate. Our legacy will be far reaching as we create a culture where all opinions are valued and heard.
Lakeisha Fosbender-Kotsalis, 17
Young people have the power to change the world one step at a time. We are independent, creative, energetic and determined. Our generation, the most interconnected generation ever, are reaching out to millions of other young people around the world to encourage positive change. Our diversity allows us to celebrate difference and work towards unity and acceptance.
The teens of this generation need to find their voice and work to be heard to promote change.
OUR LADY OF MERCY COLLEGE
Alicia Ranasinghe, 17 and Kate Keenan, 18
As leaders of tomorrow, we have the responsibility to lead today. As the 2019 College Captains we are focusing on goals curated by OLMC students to reflect what we wish for our world.
Empowerment: As women we don’t want to feel limited by our identity, rather strengthened by it.
We need to come together, help each other, stand up for one another, and remember we are wonderful and worthy.
Environment: We have to consider the absolute responsibility we have to our world. We impact the environment more than we know, and we must take care of the space we are so privileged to have.
Participation: Participation allows the opportunity for us to grow and challenge ourselves. We can invest in our own happiness and wellbeing, and give back to our communities. Participation is valued at OLMC, we have the opportunity to make our own contributions, so we need to make them count.
Merciful: Being merciful is to show compassion, forgiveness and understanding. Being merciful requires we lead by example.
Gratitude: As leaders of tomorrow we need to recognise the little things — the simple privileges we take for granted.
This extends to addressing the importance of looking after ourselves and our mental wellbeing.
PARADE COLLEGE
Max Tricarico, 17
Teachers and even my own peers ask me this question repeatedly. I consistently reply with the same answer each time, everything.
My generation has the power to change anything and everything we want with the world.
When I see my friend volunteering every weekend for Sea Shepherd and my school feeding the homeless every Tuesday morning, it just further fosters and nurtures my belief that we are the generation of doers.
We see a problem and we do something about it.
Whether it is simple actions such as not purchasing plastic water bottles or standing up for a friend after a misogynistic comment, every action makes a difference and our generation knows this!
We comprehend that we will not abolish racism or cure world starvation tomorrow, however we are making a start and acknowledge the repercussions if we do not start trying to fix the world’s problems now.
Older generations may postulate that my generation just takes selfies for Instagram or listens to Drake for extensive hours in a day.
On the contrary, witnessing the differences my cousins, friends and peers are making first hand builds my confidence and I feel that my generation will make vast positive differences to the world that will be reaped for generations to follow.
SANTA MARIA COLLEGE
Carmelina Delorenzo, 17 and Lily Jones, 17
We believe that our generation strives to identify important social issues and the actions that must be taken to address those issues.
Because of this, our generation will be able to make a difference to the world in a variety of ways. Perhaps the most important of these is ensuring all girls receive an education, no matter where in the world they come from.
Education is a basic platform for empowerment and global citizenship whereby girls and young women become aware of their personal strengths and histories, can act with courage, and feel free to make individual choices that can assist to build community in a world that requires responsible partnerships and a clear plan for sustainable outcomes for our planet. We also believe that the current generation of young women will lead the way in encouraging more girls and women to explore STEM subjects and projects. Finally, our generation is determined to work with indigenous peoples to ensure full recognition and to ‘close the gap’ in terms of health care, education, resources and opportunities.
THORNBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Ellie Christopoulos, 17 and Weijia Tan, 17
Our generation is one of the most ethnically diverse, open-minded, gender-fluid and powerful generations that Australia has ever seen and we have the ability to inspire and empower each other to use the tools available to us to change the world.
By utilising the technology we have and creating platforms that have the ability to reach millions of young individuals, we can educate each other on how to target important world issues such as gender inequality, poverty, hunger, climate change and sustainable resources.
Globalisation has provided us with the opportunities that none of the other generations before us ever had, therefore we can understand that as a whole community we have improved significantly on reaching gender and racial equality, decreasing poverty, spreading awareness on climate change and implementing alternative resources in order for them to be sustainable.
These changes are due to the growth in education and awareness that has equipped us with the knowledge needed to target issues both locally and worldwide. However, we recognise that there is always room for improvement and our youth can be the force that creates the change that society needs to see.
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