We reached out to some of our past Australian Student Leadership Conference participants who returned to serve the leaders of 2020…
Hear from our yTeam as they share their perception of leadership, how ASLC prepared them to be leaders at their schools and their golden advice to your leaders of 2021!
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me is more then just a badge or a role. It is about taking your best strengths and putting them into action to make the world a better place and being a role model by inspiring people to make a difference. Leadership is action; something that anyone can strive to for.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
ASLC definitely influenced my actions in Year 12, giving the Burnside leadership team confidence for the year. The conference taught me that leadership can be presented in many forms and allowed me to take on my final year of school as Vice-Captain with courage. Whenever the school had an event or something special on, I had the confidence to get involved as much as possible, thanks to the inspiration from ASLC.
What piece of advice would you give to a badge-wearing leader in 2021?
For the leaders of 2021, my biggest piece of advice would be to make the most out of every opportunity. You have chosen to take on a role to inspire young people, which is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Being a leader is an honour, a trait that sticks with you for a long time. Be the best you can be!!
– Jack Drury, School Captain, Burnside State High School, QLD
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me is being authentically and unapologetically yourself. It is taking action and having a positive influence on the world around you.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
Not only did ASLC instil confidence in myself as a leader, it also set me up with important tangible skills such as how to hold effective meetings and create a pitch. These were skills I had the confidence and knowledge to use throughout year 12 and even still to this day.
What piece of advice would you give to a badge-wearing leader in 2021?
Have confidence in yourself to shine bright and stand for what you believe in. Back yourself in whatever action you take!
– Emma Belgraver, College Captain, Endeavour College, SA
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me is about becoming and exposing the best version of yourself, and showcasing it for others to see. It’s about guiding and helping others to achieve the exact same thing; becoming the best version of themselves.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
It helped me realise the type of leader I wanted to be, and even more than that, the type of person I wanted to become. It helped me truly become the best version of myself which helped my peers to see who I was and wanted to be.
What piece of advice would you give to a badge-wearing leader in 2021?
Work to find a positive for everyone. Try to achieve an outcome where everyone takes something away. Listen to those around you and take on their advice. Enjoy it.
– Jack Roach, School Captain, Galen Catholic College, VIC
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me is more than just a title and it’s definitely more than just the shiny badge. It’s a privilege that comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s an opportunity to make a difference. Leadership is not about you it’s about the people you lead.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
I had never heard about ASLC or yLead before I was elected as a leader. I was told about this conference and went in with no expectations. Honestly, the conference changed my life. It was that boost of confidence I didn’t know I needed before starting my final year of school.
It was an opportunity for myself and my fellow leaders to connect and learn to work together before the year started. It was a time for me to grow and develop and unlock all of my potential. ASLC was definitely one of the major components of what has shaped me into the leader I am today.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
To the leaders of 2021, embrace the unknown. Remember that leadership is more than just a badge. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Stand up for what you believe in and don’t forget that leadership is a journey and that it’s one you won’t be embarking on alone!
– Andreea Gavril, School Captain, Kingston State College, QLD
What does leadership mean to you?
For me, leadership in its purest form is simple. Leadership is service and empowerment. It’s putting others before yourself and passionately giving back to positively impact your world. It’s using your own strengths to showcase the strengths of the people around you. If you can empower others to be the best versions of themselves, through an attitude of servantship, you will leave the legacy of a good leader.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
In January of 2019 I attended ASLC and was blown away by the impact it had on me and my fellow captains. It started my year on a path where I felt motivated and excited by all the ideas and goals that we had set for ourselves as a leadership team. But I also learnt a lot about how myself and how I lead. ASLC started me on a journey of personal growth that I am proud to be continuing to learn and thrive on.
What piece of advice would you give to a badge-wearing leader in 2021?
Back yourself. You were chosen for a reason and the people around you believe in your commitment, passion and ability to successfully lead. Trust in the faith that your teachers and peers have put in you, and allow that to fill you with confidence as you serve your community. Also, remember that asking for help is a sign of wisdom not weakness. Seek guidance from all the badged and non-badged leaders around you. Together has power. Use the incredible assets you have at your disposal to help as many people as possible shine and evolve.
– Josh Mitchell, College Captain, Luther College, VIC
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me means to empower those around you to do better and to be better.
How did ASLC influence the trajectory of your final year at school?
After attending ASLC in 2017 I gained a different perspective on leadership. I walked into my final year inspired, motivated and encouraged to do my best to help create an environment where other students felt safe, heard and included. The conference shaped me to be the young woman that I am today and I say that wholeheartedly.
What piece of advice would you give to a badge-wearing leader in 2021?
Do not abuse your badge and the responsibility that comes with it. Remind yourself that the badge does not put you above everyone else but it allows you to use your voice and your actions to implement change.
