Greater Dandenong, Knox 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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BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
FRANKSTON AND MORNINGTON PENINSULA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
BORONIA K-12 COLLEGE
Charlie Evans, 17
Generation Z will bring new and improved solutions to world problems.
Having grown up around technology and an ever-changing environment, we understand and adapt to changes in situations.
Solutions to worldwide problems such as famine, disease and pollution can all be improved if not solved by Generation Z.
We have the ability to examine in far greater detail with the aid of new technology and can understand previously unknownanswers.
With technology to guide us, we are able to find new and innovative ways to cure diseases such as cancers and chronic illness.
We are the generation that will find answers.
Breanna White, 17
Generation Z, who are we? We are the next generation of stars that are about to brighten everyone’s life, some being readyto run the country and some to work within the community; either way we all can make a big difference in everyday life.
My generation is a very hard driven one, where everyone focuses on the task at hand and gets things done.
No matter how big the opponent or how big of a jump there may be, my generation will concur it with a big smile and laughsall the way through and never give up.
CARWATHA COLLEGE P-12
Eftalya Coskun, 17
My generation, by continuously learning and growing, can make a positive difference to the world.
We live in a constantly changing environment which deserves to be filled with love, deserves to be taken care of and whereevery being deserves to be treated equally.
In this era, many people may be suffering from problems created by past and current generations.
As a young and determined group who understand what is going on, who have experience, opportunities, new ideas, a voice, whowork together and are inspired — we have the power to make the world a happier, cleaner and safer place.
Jacky Fulcher, 17
My generation can make all the difference. The more we embrace change, the more we learn to adapt and improve.
Technology is constantly changing, and my generation is at the forefront, meaning that we can move forward, faster.
Attitudes are changing toward the mental aspect of health. My generation is redefining ”normal”; so people don’t have to hideanymore. I want to continue working towards improving. How can I be better or learn if I can’t change? My generation willmake a difference to the world because we are constantly learning and adapting and have so much to teach other generations.
DANDENONG HIGH SCHOOL
Mojgan Hamzaei, 17
“Nulla tenaci Invia est via” - for the tenacious no road is impassable.
I firmly believe this Latin phrase represents the individuals in our generation.
We are determined, dedicated and highly motivated individuals, each willing to work hard to achieve our goals. The biggest difference I believe we could make would be socially, as our generation has a strong sense of self-worth and appreciation of others, if this is introduced to the wider community it would create a difference for the better in our community. However, that’s not to say we can’t make changes in any other forms as “for the tenacious no road is impassable”.
Timothy Ivaschenko, 17
Our generation has such accessibility to education and resources to help us achieve and build a progressive and prosperous future, with the freedoms of speech and accessibility to worldwide connection like never before.
Our generation is the most progressive when it comes to climate change, equality, human rights, economy, and political ideologies, making our generation brave in the face of tradition and history, the things that hold back the current leaders.
As the turnover from the old leaders to the new happens, I hope, and expect to see many changes for the better.
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LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MANNINGHAM AND WHITEHORSE SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MARIBYRNONG AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
FAIRHILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Mey Hor, 17
The youth of today have so much power to change the world and inspire others to do so too!
Taking initiative to speak up about social issues is important, as well as being kind to one another which will ultimately create a domino effect of positive impact in society.
Every single one of us has something to give back, which will drive a dynamic change. Thus, I always immerse myself in opportunities that allow me to give back to society, which hopefully can help change this world for the better.
Noah Heydon, 17
The youth of Australia can reach more people across the globe than ever.
With this generation of young citizens growing up with early understanding of technology used in day-to-day lives, young people can change the world by reaching more people than ever. With the ability to convey a message through the internet, rallying movements and spreading views has become more accessible. Our generation has the opportunity to go above and beyond by reaching every corner of the earth through technology.
HAILEYBURY COLLEGE
Elissa Sugunananthan, 17 and Harrison Traum, 17
We are the generation of action.
The generation of innovation.
The generation of change.
Despite the misconceptions associated with us, the apparently “hypersensitive” Gen z-ers, we continue to defy the negative stereotypes placed upon us and others, and we push for the acceptance of the diverse individuals in our society.
Using the modern technology available at our fingertips, we work to shift conversations about gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, indigenous recognition and climate change.
Implementing Haileybury’s four essential pillars; social justice, enterprise and entrepreneurship, global outlook and academic excellence, our leadership team strives to push conversations forward from within our school community.
We aspire to empower people of all races, genders, sexualities and cultures.
We will continue to make the most of the incredible opportunities Haileybury has given us and the freedom to write our own stories.
We will continue to shape an equitable future for generations to come.
After all, we are the generation of change.
KILLESTER COLLEGE
Sneha Rajackal Senthil Vel, 17 and Sarah Lui, 17
We live in the 21st Century where “voice” is encouraged and diversity is valued. In our leadership roles at Killester, we are encouraged to work as a team, to join together and combine our strengths. As we consider the question — What difference can your generation make to the world? we have different ideas but recognise and value all views.
We are the most educated generation yet. To us, education is more than knowledge, it’s an empowering way of people and a call to develop personally, and become politically active.
Nelson Mandela was right when he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
Globally, we can spotlight the importance of education, especially for girls in countries where they are marginalised. You educate a girl and you educate to possibly change a whole society!
This month celebrates women internationally. Women all around the world come together to campaign for a “gender-balanced world”.
This generation is working to better the world for the generation to come and following a pathway to promote respect, peace and love of self.
MORE:
MOORABBIN AND MORDIALLOC CHELSEA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORELAND, NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS
LYNDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Upani Mapala-Gamage, 17 and Caitlin Adams, 17
Our generation are the future scientists, entrepreneurs and creators who are going to bring change and who are bringing hope now.
We will be the ones to create an accepting community, one without the conflict that exists between people today.
We will be the ones to change the world for the better, to use our access to the internet and social media for the better, to use the opportunities given to us to prevent history’s mistakes from repeating themselves.
We will be the ones to heal the earth because we want a future, because we are afraid that there isn’t going to be one for us.
Already, we march in our streets calling for change.
We were raised on books like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter and we know that if we want to see change, we will have to be the ones to do it.
If we are making an impact now, like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai, imagine what we can do when we have power.
NAZARETH COLLEGE
Mary Hatley-Smith, 17 and Malshani Hettiarachchi, 17
With increasing poverty, homelessness and people suffering financial difficulties, we believe that now is the time for us not only to decide but implement changes in order to close the gap between disadvantaged groups (immigrants, refugees, indigenous) and high socioeconomic groups. It is our responsibility to build this bridge to allow everyone an equal opportunity to access basic necessities and resources that support everyday living. We believe that through advocating via social media platforms, school communities or by taking direct action through volunteering, charities, free tutoring programs, soup kitchens and food drives we could construct a community that supports one another and close the gap, ensuring that everyone is able to live their life with satisfaction, happiness and good health. As we grow, the ability we have to assist those around us does as well. One of the many privileges we have that we can use to our advantage is to be a guiding light for those less fortunate. It does not matter the position we hold, but rather the positive impact we can make together.
NOBLE PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE
Rezwan Nazeri, 17 and Laiba Rehman, 17
We are part of a generation that is seen as having it “too easy”. Our struggles are often brushed aside and our efforts to change the world are often undermined.
This puts us under enormous and unrealistic physical, mental, social and ethical pressures.
Today girls, are still victims of social and gender expectations which limit their roles in society.
We strongly believe that the world cannot move forward unless we harness the full potential of both genders.
Although there has been amazing progress in attitudes towards females, there is still a long way to go. Significant progress has been made due to the hard work of our generation, especially those from cultural backgrounds where opportunities like this are only limited to males.
Leadership has for too long been associated with males. In 2019 we have taken the initiative to make that idea a myth by becoming the first ever female captains at our school. Our vision is simple, we want to leave behind a world that values all individuals regardless of their gender, a place where opportunities and rights are equal.
MORE:
HUME, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
ROWVILLE SECONDARY COLLEGE — EASTERN CAMPUS
Feng-Mao Liu, 17 and Sophie Ambor, 17
“Alone we can do so little, together we could do so much” — Helen Keller.
Over time our world has grown in so many different ways.
We can now fly from place to place, create robotic people, and also have formed more sustainable ways to live.
If we — the generation of the future, can accumulate and build upon our knowledge, then we — together can reverse the bad we have done to our earth and instead save the world.
Our generation is growing up in a time where we have already progressed immensely in countless different areas, and all of us growing up currently are finding new ways to benefit the world and make a better future for us, the earth, and the generations to come.
The one thing that sets our generation apart from others is that we treasure peace and kindness. Volunteering at under privileged countries, constructing jobs for people who don’t have the luxury to go to school, allowing people to feel comfortable and embrace their differences in public — using their uniqueness as a positive, are all ways that our generation is perpetuating kindness.
The culmination of our efforts result in making our world more united and less fractured, thus — a better place.
ROWVILLE SECONDARY COLLEGE — WESTERN CAMPUS
Patrick Astudillo, 17 and Brooke Taylor, 17
Looking around yourself in the world we live in today, we are surrounded by technology, in the hands of people globally, on shop fronts and billboards, even now on people’s wrists.
We live in a digital world, with new technology arising every day, creating a significant impact on our lives, taking it to a new level.
Technology today is a new way of thinking, a new way to how not only our generation thinks, but the population thinks. Our generation continues to discover new, simpler and more efficient ways to go about our lives, to spread information, and communicate with people all across the world.
However, it can be difficult to navigate our way through this new digital world. This is where, we, as the youth of this generation, are able to contribute and step up and do our part to use this technology in a manner that is responsible and kind, and to never take advantage of the powerful technology we possess today.
Together, our generation is able to teach others to use this tool for good.
SCORESBY SECONDARY COLLEGE
Maddalyn Beet, 17 and Jared Larter, 17
Over the past few decades technology has been changing at an ever-increasing rate and these advancements have opened up an array of new opportunities and careers for our generation coming through the system.
We are beginning to challenge the beliefs that have lasted in place for many years; no longer do we prioritise conventionally moving up within one company or career path.
We are challenging the expectations for how businesses function, and questioning the impact they are having on the planet.
We are changing the world through questioning how things work and how they’ve always been.
Our constant innovation of new and emerging technologies in schools, such as virtual and augmented reality technologies, continue to provide new opportunities for students’ educations.
It has been said that most of the careers our generation will delve into have not even been invented yet; we are developing the world of technology and creating new pathways before us.
The education that we are provided helps us to think innovatively and creatively.
As we grow, the world is growing with us, branching into new paths and advancements that we never thought possible, bringing forth the tools necessary to make this world better for generations to come.
ST ANDREWS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Ben Audet, 17
This upcoming generation will encounter new problems, unknown to previous generations, requiring new solutions.
Many of these problems will be the result of our own progress. For example, as populations increase and extreme poverty declines, there will be a greater demand on natural resources.
Our infinite desires should balance world of finite resources. Our progress will need to be balanced with ethics. This generation will distinguish themselves by the way they act, ensuring that we don’t exploit others or the environment in our quest to better the world.
Chloe Chandraraj, 17
In a world always innovating, striving to be better, the future generations must always be thinking: “How can I add to what’s being done and make it better?” I believe, there will always be those finding better solutions, making things more efficient, work smoother and look better. Our generation, possessing a greater awareness of mental health and wellbeing/ the environment will simultaneously contribute to the innovations, doing so with a greater awareness about the consequences of actions.
This generation will make their mark in being different in the way they act — kinder, considerate and possessing a greater awareness of the impact they leave.
THE KNOX SCHOOL
Munashe Pfukwa, 17 and Ayisha Seif, 17
We live in a world where conflict is used to solve peace and where hate can fuel love. Our generation whilst far from perfect, has the capabilities and drive to create a more accepting and harmonious world.
Our generation have been strong advocates for promoting change in our society, we have been proactive, taking stands against not only environmental issues such as climate change but economical and social issues, too.
However, if there was a movement that we as an entire generation were to make in this world it would be to each make our mark as individuals, and with time, watch these small changes become opportunities for others. We are a new age, the first to live as digital natives; the question is will this benefit us. Connectivity online can be beneficial but in can also be destructive. It will take time to master a healthy balance between face-to-face human interaction and the cyber world; but it must be done.
Our generation is adapting; we are insightful, reflective and ultimately passionate.
We are young and cannot predict what will be; our focus must therefore be on what we want to be.
WAVERLEY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE — NARRE WARREN SOUTH CAMPUS
Megan Rojales, 17 and Rylan Koneri, 17
The first thought when thinking of our generation is the rise of social media and its effect on society. We also believe that the sense of entitlement and impulsiveness creates a mindset for individuals to address issues personally affecting their identity.
However, in contrast to these negative views, there is more that social media has to offer us. Social media can be utilised as a platform for raising awareness for current issues. Looking back, this opportunity was not possible until recently, so why not utilise it now?
We believe that we can make the most of this opportunity by gathering people together for a specific cause in order to establish a sense of purpose.
People in our generation who have invested interest in a particular cause can work together with like-minded individuals to create an online community, thus, establish greater connections.
Although there are negatives, there are also many benefits regarding the use of social media.
WAVERLEY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE — WANTIRNA SOUTH CAMPUS
Beatrice Chen, 17 and Timothy Margetts, 17
With our generation growing up in an ubiquitous age, technology is integrated within our everyday lives. Information is easily attained and a window to the lives of other people has never been larger.
With this increased accessibility of information, we have been able to gaze into the lives of not only those around us, but across the world.
Being actively aware of the ongoing issues and varying political environments has shaped this society of teenagers to have the capacity to not only exercise empathy, but act out of empathy.
We are no longer confined to our own worlds but forced to address and tackle the large issues at hand. With this awareness and knowledge, our generation is driven to make decisions to reach out to the minority groups who need our help.
We are not limited to a virtual realm, but one that extends beyond. One that cultivates a community of acceptance, because we can understand.
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