Josh Worley spent 2018 different to most; embarking on a journey which saw him climbing frozen waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, six thousand-meter peaks in the Andes, the golden granite walls of Yosemite Valley and the highest peaks in New Zealand. All while raising much needed funds and awareness for youth mental health and climate change.
“Follow your passions because you never know where they will take you”
For Josh, ASLC Brisbane in 2005 inspired him to pursue his passion, as a climber and mountaineer. In 2008, he came with yLead on the Tanzanian Immersion to summit Mt Kilimanjaro – the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. These experiences enabled Josh to develop the skills and philosophies he utilises now as a leader.
What was your biggest takeaway from ASLC in 2005?
To not be overly concerned about the opinions of others around me and how they will react to the decisions that I make. Extending from this, ASLC was also a turning point for me to let go of self-imposed fear.
What are you doing now?
I just completed a vertical year, which entailed travelling around the globe to climb some of the world’s most dangerous peaks. My day job is working as an engineer with Australia’s largest railway company, and I’m also very passionate about working with Australian Youth to aid them in finding and pursuing their passions.
Which lessons from ASLC have been most relevant to your journey?
Definitely self-awareness in the context of being able to identify with myself what my strengths and weaknesses are, and not holding back or worrying so much. An extension from this lesson for me was developing the ability to work in teams and identify the strengths and weaknesses of others in order to achieve a successful outcome.
What piece of advice would you give your grade 12 self?
Hands down, say yes to opportunities and follow your passions because you never know where they will take you.
