Frankston and Mornington Peninsula 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
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BALCOMBE GRAMMAR
Ruby Hadaway, 17
I believe that my generation can make a difference to the world. The access we have to technology and social media makes leaving our mark in the world more achievable than it has ever been for past generations.
Having this platform at the end of our fingertips provides us with opportunities to share our concerns and opinions with the world.
We have an outlet to make our perspective on local and global issues heard and considered. I hope we can be the generation that makes these new technologies be a force for good in the future.
Chris Hollins, 18
Our generation is often referred to as the “technology generation”, and for good reason. Most of us have used the internet since a young age. However, this doesn’t mean that we’re experts at everything; many of us are still impressionable and may find ourselves being persuaded by the new and radical ideas that the internet brings forth. Our generation’s challenge will be sorting out what is important from what is fake, and knowing what to pass on. However, we won’t live our entire lives through our phones, hopefully we’ll never forget the importance of getting out there and finding followers face-to-face.
DROMANA COLLEGE
Charlie Sansom, 17
The world we live in today is vastly different from the one my parents grew up in and indeed theirs was drastically different from their parent’s time.
Looking forward at the opportunities that are ahead of me, I’m indebted to the fine leaders of previous generations who have fought for the equality and social justice of all in our society.
Like standing on the shoulders of giants, I feel that my generation must embrace the achievements of our forebears and strive to continue their great work. But there is much left for my generation to do as there are still many people in Australia and throughout the world, who need support to be their best.
Empowering our future leaders through education and community support, something that I have experienced through The Game Changers leadership program, enables young leaders like myself to be our best and to support others to aim for, and achieve greater and greater outcomes across society as we enter the workforce of the future.
FRANKSTON HIGH SCHOOL
Anzali Nedumaran, 17 and Jade Roberts, 17
Change should be influenced by those who it will most affect – our generation.
As Millennials, we are a generation who have grown up in a world which is very different to the one our parents inhabited. Shifting societal expectations and great advances in technology have led to adolescents being exposed to much more knowledge and information than was previously imaginable.
This technology is facilitating movements worldwide – we are a generation who is fortunate to have the resources to make a difference to the state of our world.
Our peers are exploring some of the serious issues that need to be considered to move forward and to continue to better our society – even if our world leaders are not.
We are still learning how to tackle serious issues, such as: education, economic and gender inequality, high unemployment and poverty rates and climate change, as well as the safety, security and the well-being of our nation.
We don’t have all the answers yet, but we can only hope that the differences the class of 2019 are fighting for will lead to positive change for both ourselves and the generations to follow.
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Taylah Rando, 17 and Trent Kniese, 17
85% of jobs in 2030 haven’t been created yet. 65% of today’s students will be employed in jobs that don’t exist yet.
As students in Year 12, we are the people creating, and stepping into those roles.
We understand the changing world. This makes us a generation of innovation and transformation, the adults of the future.
We will be members of the team who will cure deadly illnesses. We will create peace and equity. We will push the boundaries of current knowledge to expand and constantly improve our resources.
Our generation will not only embrace change, but we will make change.
We embrace change, and are excited to initiate it. We are characterised by our use of technology. We will use technology to remove barriers, rather than create them.
We understand and embrace our uncharted future, and the technological advancements that will one day help shape the world into what it’s going to become.
With a sense of love, care and passion, our generation will be making technological advancements, embracing change and working together to build a harmonious and exciting new world.
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MONTEREY SECONDARY COLLEGE
Mikayla Gilmore Jones, 17 and Maddison Jennings, 17
Our world is a beautiful mess. Our generation is doing their part as we are exercising our right to be inclusive.
We are a generation that tries not to discriminate, whether that be on colour, gender, sexuality or disability, and we think that is what our biggest contribution to society will be.
We care for each other’s feelings and are cautious not to say something inappropriate or degrading. We’re raising awareness of the effect of our words and our actions have on each other. We believe that our generation is going to show people how to treat other people.
Our generation also understands the dangers industries, like animal agriculture and pollution, have on our environment. We have started using metal and paper straws and using reusable containers to help waste reduction and pollution. Our generation is doing remarkable work to save our planet, and it will not stop with our generation but instead will continue into the future. Sustainability isn’t a topic that has to be unthinkable, but it will be the way in which
we learn to protect and preserve Earth.
MORNINGTON SECONDARY COLLEGE
Cooper Marriott, 17
I was once told that if I wanted to change the world, I had to start by making my own bed.
As a young adult, I do have aspirations to change the world.
However, I believe that to change the world one must understand oneself and have compassion for others.
My plan is to study and serve communities as a MICA paramedic.
I’m gaining personal, academic and practical skills at Mornington Secondary College in my leadership role as School Captain.
Mental health is a health issue that I am passionate about but which still has negative stigma attached.
I know many people feel embarrassed talking about it.
But if you can be that one person for someone to rely on and they trust that they can talk to you, then you are having a direct impact on someone’s life.
The way I see it is to start making a difference to the people closest to you first.
My hope is for small actions to have large, lasting impacts which consequently flow peace and harmony in our own community and beyond.
MOUNT ELIZA SECONDARY COLLEGE
Thomas Gibson, 17
At a time where our youth are stepping into a world suppressed by external pressure and expectations, it is important to consider the properties required to work towards our inner eudaemonia. Human flourishing, the state of being happy, healthy and prosperous, can be achieved by staying true to the deeply held beliefs that authenticate our soul. Gratitude is an often overlooked property, however it is a vital tool in the arsenal of our next generation. Gratitude not only promotes an appreciation of the past, but it brings peace for today and creates visions for the future.
Oliver Heavey, 17
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, we can all understand the importance of learning and establishing our core, unwavering values that will guide our life.
That is why we must have courage, have gratitude, and be continually hardworking if we are to unlock what truly lies within all of us. Although it will not be easy, for staying true to an important set of values takes responsibility and dedication. However, it will mean that we can build a brighter world for not only ourselves, but also for our grandchildren and future generations.
“We did not come here to fear the future. We came here to shape it.”– Barack Obama
PENINSULA GRAMMAR
Sarah Tebbutt, 17
We are so lucky to be growing up in a generation where information is more accessible than ever before.
Young people are growing up aware and educated about global, environmental and social concerns.
With a wealth of knowledge only a click away, young people are not only becoming more educated about societal issues but are becoming active and taking action for what they believe is right. This increased social consciousness is forging a culture that values taking a stand for what is morally correct, breeding a generation of young adults who will not hesitate to correct past wrongs.
Hugh Buntine, 17
Our generation won’t change the world because we want to or because we can, but because we’ll have to.
No other generation has been faced with a problem like climate change, where if we aren’t innovative and proactive, the world will literally end.
I believe that we are well equipped with the knowledge, technology and passion to fight anything that comes our way.
Our generation will solve the issue of climate change, fight discrimination, explore deep space and make incredible medical breakthroughs because we are hungry to be someone and to do something to make a difference.
TOORAK COLLEGE
Mietta Symmons-Joyce, 17
As children, we are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Rarely are we asked, “How do we want our world to be when we grow up?”
By focusing on the ‘self’, we miss an opportunity to explore our collective roles.
It only comes by working together that we are able to see and appreciate the whole picture.
An awareness of our world that extends beyond ourselves is a critical difference in our generation’s mindset.
We have the drive to resolve shared challenges and the power to leave the world in a better state than when we came into it.
With vast challenges awaiting our futures, it is essentially our role now to empower those around us to reach their potential for the betterment of this world.
We need to be equipped with the confidence and grit to tackle the future that lies ahead.
In my role as Head Girl at Toorak College, I aim to encourage girls to dream big, leap boldly, and to inspire and empower others to change their mindset to “How can I have an impact on our future?”
I believe our generation will leave behind this unique footprint.
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MORELAND, NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS
HUME, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WESTERN PORT SECONDARY COLLEGE
Georgia Densley, 17
Today’s world is defined by significant challenges including terrorism, global warming and ongoing gender and socioeconomic inequalities – change has never been more important.
Despite trending headlines, the idea that we can change the world together is achievable for my generation as we explore new opportunities and resources that no other generation has had.
As a generation of teenagers and young adults, we can teach the world how to love, rather than hate. Through a new sense of compassion that rises above our surface differences, we can make the world better. One day we will become the leaders; our work starts now as we begin to define our legacy.
Georgia McNamara, 17
As each new generation reaches maturity, we have an opportunity to contribute to the world in one way or another. I believe my generation has the vision and ideas to change the world for the better.
There are new challenges and social issues facing the world, and our generation is equipped with the knowledge and tolerance needed to make a difference. All forms of inequality can be erased, we can begin to take climate change seriously, and we will embrace the technological advances the world presents.
WOODLEIGH SCHOOL
Jesse Butland, 17
When I think about what our generation has to contribute, I cannot help but think optimistically. I think of a generation that ignites the paradigm shift.
The shift that represents a genuine respect and responsibility for the earth we inhabit, a non-prejudicial love for the people that make up the social networks we form and the sincere desire to strive for knowledge.
I think, despite the finite amount of time our generation has to complete these tasks, we will at least be the ones who set the ball rolling for the coming generations for whom these tasks are at arm’s reach.
Quincy Seagren-Hughes, 17
Our generation has been raised to be soft, to be open minded, to be accepting, and I believe this is our most powerful characteristic.
Our generation is encouraging everyone to have a voice.
On top of this, we live in a time where information is so easily accessible.
School no longer teaches us information, but teaches us how to learn, how to be flexible, how to take what we know and apply it.
Our generation has the powerful combination of knowledge and understanding, and with this I believe that collectively we can change whatever we put our minds to.
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