The Junior School Student Leadership Team travelled to the International Convention Centre, in Darling Harbour where we were privileged to attend the Halogen National Young Leaders Day. At the leadership day, we listened to four inspirational people tell us their life stories and how each of them grew from children with big dreams to accomplished leaders. The life stories told by Catherine Laga’aia, Thomas Duncan-Watt, Emma McKeon, and Anthony (Harries) Carroll, all of whom are aspiring role models, have planted a seed in our hearts that will continue to grow for years to come.
The first speaker, Catherine Laga’aia, will be starring in the live action movie Moana this year. Her life on the film set of Moana was incredibly exciting but also challenging because she was away from her family and friends and was not allowed any contact with them. This instilled in her a sense of perseverance and resilience. Catherine shared her story of success and her experience of auditioning many times which was incredibly stressful.
The second speaker was Thomas Duncan-Watt, a Sydney-born screenwriter. He shared his experiences of failing and failing again. But after many years of chasing his dreams, he is now an award-winning author and screenwriter.
The third speaker was the inspiring Emma McKeon. She explained that she always had a dream of swimming at the Olympics, but even with her determination to succeed, there were still many challenges along the way. She is currently the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time. And, her powerful words inspired us – ‘Don’t be afraid to have big dreams, you are more capable than you realise.’
Final speaker Harries Carroll, from Bondi Rescue, talked to us about his experience whilst saving lives at Bondi Beach. Harries started by reminding everyone in the audience how to do CPR because he believes it’s a skill everyone should learn and went on to talk about the importance of kindness and empathy in all that you do.
One final message we think will stick with us forever is: Do everything, no job is too small, they are all steps towards your goal.
Junior School Student Leaders