Hume, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges 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.
MORE:
PROGRESS AND STONNINGTON SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORELAND, NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MARIBYRNONG AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
AITKEN COLLEGE
Holly Brown, 17
I believe that our generation can make the world a more accepting and safer place than it is currently.
‘Gen Z’ activists have already started working and making a change to the world in a number of ways.
A big example of this is 18-year-old Emma González, who with other fellow classmates spoke out about gun control in the USA. They successfully led the anti-gun demonstration March for Our Lives which denounced the violence that they had experienced in their own school.
Our generation can influence other issues in our community that need to be changed.
Derek Wells, 17
Our generation has access to an unprecedented amount of technology at our fingertips.
On the latest electronic devices we have greater access to information than the majority of Presidents of the United States.
With more information available to us we can increase our awareness of worldwide issues including the potential human impacts on climate change and encourage humanity to make a positive difference to the environment.
We will have more opportunities to clean up the pollution in oceans, decrease our use of plastic and non-recyclable materials and increase our use of cleaner renewable energy sources.
BRAEMAR COLLEGE
Scout Seeley, 17 and William Somers, 17
Our generation was born at a special time, with the continual advancement in technology and connections, we are the first generation to properly live through screens. As a cause of this, our capacity to “make a difference” is limited by very few obstacles.
Through the use of social media, our generation has the ability to discover and share our knowledge with just the click of a button.
Due to this we are more informed about countless cultures and beliefs, we can investigate and find solutions to pressing environmental challenges, whilst simultaneously sharing and building deeper connections with peers.
Most crucially however, our generation possesses a clear voice and the capacity to be heard around the world.
In Cairns at the moment, a 10 year old named Molly Steer has reached the world stage advocating for the ban of plastic straws with the #StrawNoMore campaign.
Sharing her story and working her way up to hosting a TedTalk last year, Molly is a perfect example of the ability of our generations platform to make a difference.
Our platform allows us to constantly be breaking down barriers that have divided the world for years.
CRAIGIEBURN SECONDARY COLLEGE
Maryam Shamoon, 17 and Chanthakone Nouanphanthakoun, 17
Everyone has a different vision for the future of our generation that is influenced by past experiences and creates the desire to make a difference that will forever change the world and the way we live.
The difference our generation makes will forever determine our capability to come together as a whole.
My idea of the differences our generation can make to the world would be to accept people for who they are and give them the opportunity to be their own unique person. This means stepping away from the bias left from the previous generations and moving into a more inclusive society.
We can teach young people to respect others despite their differences, whether it’s their religion, race, gender, or sexuality. By educating young people about the importance to accept others for who they are, we are able to prevent discrimination and provide safety for each individual and maintain diversity in our society.
By respecting each other, we are also able to promote positive mental health and achieve a cohesive society.
MORE:
MANNINGHAM AND WHITEHORSE SCHOOL CAPTAINS
LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
GREATER DANDENONG AND KNOX SCHOOL CAPTAINS
GISBORNE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Laura Crozier, 17 and William Holmes, 17
We as the generation of young adults can make a change, or rather, we’re the change the world has been waiting for.
We can teach to love, rather than to hate.
We can teach to give rather than to take.
We can show others kindness and compassion, regardless of the colour of their skin, the religion they worship, or the orientation of their sexuality.
Why don't we start showing more of that to the world? One day we will be the leaders. We will be the politicians, the CEOs, and it will be up to us to make a mark on our world.
We believe that a few caring people can change the world, for, indeed they are the ones who always have.
The truth is, we can’t afford to stand idle whilst the present races by.
We didn’t come to be the dominant species on Earth by sheer luck or coincidence.
We got here because each time a generation of humans faced a changing world, we revelled in the challenge and changed with it.
We have not feared our future, we have shaped it.
We can change the world together, so, what’re we waiting for?
GLENROY COLLEGE
Shruti Parasher, 17 and Sione Telefoni, 17
As student leaders we are role models for upcoming generations. As college captains we will continue to promote sports and help students to maintain or build their interests in learning.
It is also important for us to make sure that more and more students are getting support from mental health organisations. This allows students to develop a strong sense of identity as well as a healthy mind.
For a better future, we, as a school, can help promote environmentalism. This can be achieved with student involvement by working with our school council. With student involvement, it will not only benefit the community but will allow our generations to be more respectful to the environment and show our responsibility to future generations.
We can promote awareness regarding the major issues dealt by our generation such as gender differences, religious differences, and cultural differences.
We can make a change to support not only our generation but upcoming generations so they can have a well-developed future.
We are a generation who face many issues, but we can make a difference.
HUME ANGLICAN GRAMMAR
Marcus Mandozzi, 17 and Joanna Newton, 17
We see a number of issues that will affect our generation. These include climate change, mental illness, and the use and abuse of technology.
However, there are qualities and aptitudes in young people today that should help address some of these issues. For example, while we acknowledge that we can be impulsive and get bored easily, we are also an open-minded generation.
These attributes combined mean that we are always looking for variety; for another task that challenges us. This means we will be able to work creatively to tackle issues; working through different solutions, listening to ideas, and being open-minded about how and why we will solve them.
Additionally, we have learned the importance of and skills in working as a team. As part of the digital age, we are more engaged with others than ever before. We understand different perspectives as a result of being globally connected and, moreover, we know how to use technology to our advantage.
Namely, to work together with others towards the same goal. With all of these skills we can make a difference.
MORE:
MOORABBIN AND MORDIALLOC CHELSEA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
FRANKSTON AND MORNINGTON PENINSULA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
ILIM COLLEGE
Aisha Yehia, 18
If I could ask for one thing to be guaranteed in our future, it’d be peace.
It’d be a world without hatred or intolerance. One that is accepting and free of judgment.
We hold onto things.
Protest all you want, but we can’t find it within ourselves to make excuses for people, to shake off a bitter remark or to talk things out … we can’t and we won’t.
Our reluctance to do any of these has made us hateful and has made me wonder what hope we have for a better future when we let something as simple as a ‘wrong look’ ruin our day?
We don’t hold our tongues when we want to fire nor swallow our words before we spit them out, yet we are confused as to why we’re living in a time where there is anything but peace?
My vision for the future is for us to learn to let things go.
Let’s let things go.
That’s the secret to world peace.
KOLBE CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Beauty Aii, 17 and Patrick Vizcarra, 17
The ongoing advances in technology provides an opportunity for our generation to make a positive change in the world.
Technology has the power to expose us to everything there is to know about the world enabling our knowledge, skill and understanding to be more advanced than ever before.
Something that has taken a toll on our generation is the turning away of eyes to the issues that greatly impact us.
With the pressures of society, we tend to feel like we’re under a microscope.
However, with the ongoing growth of technology, we believe that our generation can take advantage and take back the power through self-education and by educating those around us about issues that have effectively taken a toll on us.
For the first time in history, our generation has the opportunity to assist others by opening up more doors for them to learn and develop new knowledge.
Let’s do this!
MOUNT RIDLEY P-12 COLLEGE
Alixandra Colafella, 17 and Fathia Rasyidi, 17
We believe our generation is gifted with the unprecedented potential to influence our world, at a critical time in the history of humanity.
To achieve harmony in our increasingly multicultural society, it is imperative we embrace and protect our respective ethnicities and customs.
Acknowledging and respecting our cultural diversity affords our generation the opportunity to maximise the innumerable values and benefits generated by multiculturalism. Successfully capitalising on this opportunity provides the possibility of circumventing destructive prejudices historically and currently prevalent in our world, and progressing towards a safer and more inclusive society.
We also recognise the imperative scientific impact our generation may make by creating a more sustainable civilisation. Without establishing a less destructive employment of our planet’s resources we not only compromise our standard of living and potential lifespan, we also effectively stunt the growth of scientific and technological discovery.
Potential benefits of scientific advancements may be mitigated by the detrimental impact of climate change and environmental deterioration.
Our generation possesses a unique privilege and collective responsibility to avoid repeating the social, political and environmental mistakes of preceding generations. Developing an inclusive and sustainable future is the most positive impacts we can offer our successive generations.
OVERNEWTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Amanda Lis, 17
We are the new generation; the “Millennials”, more than the “avocado on toast” eating generation.
We are in step with global issues including; social awareness, LGTBI, climate change and no longer tolerate what was once acceptable. The boundaries are being broken as we’re passionate about building our future by taking control and breaking down the stigma of things that past generations were afraid to discuss or address. Together our generation can make the difference.
Lachlan Coyne, 17
Our generation has the potential to change the world in the future. A universal time of change is occurring, and it is calling our leaders to take charge and make an impact.
Our role, as the next generation, is to consider the needs of the Earth, and its occupants, rather than what is convenient for us. Whilst we need to continue to consider the importance of sociocultural factors, it is also important we look to the future, to make humanity better.
PENOLA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Chanilka Jayakodi, 18
Being part of a generation which is generally criticised for our disconnection, lack of empathy and care we have for our finite world, brings upon a negative connotation on a generation whom is constantly overpowering this generalisation.
As society focus on the negative behaviour conducted by the minority of this generation, the positive impacts made by the younger generation is often forgotten, the engagement some have amongst their communities and their own schools.
As a leader of a large scaled school in diverse area of Melbourne, I say with confidence that our generation will defeat hatred and bring back a peaceful atmosphere.
Vishnu Satish, 17
My generation, Generation Z, are the next generation of consumers. We are the individuals who are destined to shape the not so distant future.
Now more than ever, our young adults are exposed to the consequences of global warming, poverty and war.
As the most educated generation thus far, we are mindful of the future of our planet and the need to preserve it. Some might say that Generation Z are helpless, that we are disconnected from the world … but we are more connected than ever before. We will build and nourish a sustainable future for our world.
SACRED HEART COLLEGE
Ned Dowling, 17
In today’s modern age, technology and the internet have changed the way we live and work.
This life-changing technology hasn’t been around for long, but it has been continually growing and adapting to meet the needs of society. I believe my generation will optimise and utilise these resources to change lives for the better. Medical, environmental and educational fields, are being improved at an exponential rate by technological advancements. Our generation have the capability to advance and use this technology in our future to make a positive difference to our world.
Keeley Rankin, 17
To be referred to as a ‘future leader’ is both unique and exciting. I have always been enticed by the concept of helping others, which is a common theme amongst youth leaders.
The students who I have had the opportunity to meet through leadership tend to share a common aspiration: To look to the future with an aim of contributing to sustainability and diversity in our global society, in order to resolve conflicts and assist in saving the environment. Technological advances and changing values and beliefs within our society means it’s an exciting time to make a difference.
ST MARY’S COPTIC ORTHODOX COLLEGE
Natalie Dearmatossian, 17
A four-word definition for our generation: constantly aspiring for perfection. Growing up and living in a generation of technology means more than just posting ‘selfies’ and mindless scrolling. Humans of any age have this innate desire for perfection which, with the power of the internet, is magnified in our generation.
This increased standard for success inadvertently increases our abilities and power, hence, resulting in an increase in change.
In a generation so driven for perfection, what difference can’t we make? We are the change!
Alesia Francis, 17
Amidst the pop songs and Netflix binge watch sessions, I can safely say that the future of Generation Z is very forward looking. After being exposed to the internet from a very young age, our millennia’s have such broad skills in ICT.
Eagerly await the phenomenal technological advances to come, along with the potential of enriching the quality of life for many: period.
With our already plentiful knowledge on biotechnology, we have managed to introduce an innovation of synthetic human insulin; saving the lives of millions.
Imagine what we can do in the next few years with the help of university research funds and project support. The excitement is uncontainable!
SUNBURY COLLEGE
Alexander Bond, 17 and Sarah Hansen, 17
Growing up in the 21st century, surrounded by the fast paced development of technology and resources is incredibly exciting.
To think that all of us have the chance to really make a difference, not only our local community, but on a national and global level, gives us a real sense of purpose in life.
Education will continue to be a source of purpose and motivation.
The opportunities afforded to us through our schooling has put in place a strong foundation for us to have impact well into the future.
As young and aspiring leaders, our ability to communicate, form relationships and desire to learn are all strengths that promise a strong voice as our generation graduates into adult life.
We must pick up the baton of leadership and further develop technology around the sustainable use and management of the natural environment, we must invest in making new discoveries and further enhance practices in medicine, health and education.
SUNBURY DOWNS SECONDARY COLLEGE
Adam Lacy, 18 and Amber Karras, 17
Our generation can make an impact by changing the lives of those around us. We have the ability to change the mistakes of previous generations, thereby correcting the pathways that have been built.
We are able to succeed in this, due to the progressive education that we have received from the older generations, from those who have gone through life and were able to shape us and make us the strong individuals we are.
To be able to change the world we don’t need to do big things like organising a fundraiser or massive event, the small things is where it all begins.
We can make a difference by going out and undertaking a tree planting weekend, volunteering at our local SES or CFA unit, helping out and being actively involved with your school. These are all simple activities our generation can do to help the lives of those around us, thereby making a better and safer community.
Our generation can be the ones to help promote change, to have that ability to be positive role models and present a peaceful society by providing positive examples for those who come after us.
WALLAN SECONDARY COLLEGE
Ruby Sommerville, 17 and Lachlan Mozina, 17
Our generation is so fortunate to have so many opportunities, so many choices, and so many possibilities when we look to the future.
Whilst there are numerous positives that will come from this generation, we believe that one of the greatest will be to rectify the enormous environmental problems facing the world.
The need to explore and identify options for a sustainable environment is a must for us all.
Our generation has available to them the technology, the education, the understanding and most importantly the commitment to change.
Whether it be as individuals finding solutions at a personal level, a community group or big business, we all have a role to play. Our generation is ready to do their part.
One difference our generation is already making to the world is that of tolerance, of inclusion, of acceptance and of empathy. We do not see gender, sexuality, race, colour or religion as defining who a person is or what they can become. United, we, the majority, stand against bullying and discrimination. Our generation stands for respect, belonging, individuality, for all.
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