Hello reader,
I am a proud Worimi man (Port Stephens and Newcastle region). I grew up in Newcastle and have lived close to everything that I have ever needed. I quite literally was across the road from my primary school, I would hear the bells ring and start heading over. I was active throughout school, playing rugby league since the single digits and got involved in surf life saving soon after. Being active when I was younger is something I will always try to be grateful for, as it set me up to not only lead a healthy life, but it was the genesis of a healthy outlook on life. I was fairly successful in school, finding that subjects like math would come naturally to me. And whilst I would go on to develop social anxiety, there were always friends in my life. My mum and dad, both of whom I will never be able to pay back what they have given me, were and still are role models. Not only did they provide me my fortunate upbringing, they moulded my view of the world, whilst still allowing for creativity and freedom, of which my own personality and perspectives blossomed (and in contradiction to theirs in many ways). This could all be summarised by stating that I enjoyed voluminous privilege growing up, from unlimited access to fresh water (from a tap at waist-height no less), to financial and emotional security, as well as the opportunity to explore the world, and more, this is something I learn more about every day. I believe it is important to acknowledge what advantages I have experienced and continue to experience, as I do not want to go around preaching to the choir ill-advised wisdom, not understanding the challenges in others’ lives that I have not dealt with personally.
I have always been deeply curious about the world, from the bark on the trees to why we do what we do. Particular fascinations have come and gone, and came back again, such as art (of which I am no good…yet), and writing, however, it is how us as people treat each other and the environment that has provided for a constant source of inquiry. It is why I started volunteering for Local Land Services at Kooragang Island, and why I decided on a whim that Environmental Engineering and Science would be the degree I study for five years.
I did not start uni well, and whilst I was still passing everything my grades were not anywhere near what they could have been. It was only when a mentor told me that I could in fact be doing better, that I believed in myself and acquired them. This is a common theme for me, I have often not achieved my potential (or closer to that) until it was remarked by another that I could in fact have that success. This is a strong point I want to bring forward into my conversations with students and across Australia. This external positive motivation introduced and reinforced a habit of optimism, such that now I have confidence that I can succeed where I feel I want to do so. I want our future generation to not be held back by themselves or others, for Australia and Australians can only benefit from a more confident and free-spirited younger generation.
I myself have a long way to go, and I am still unsure of what I will want to do into the future. What I do know, however, is that I can succeed at anything as along a true passion is paired with continuous effort. I will complete my last year and a bit of my uni degree when I return, hopefully having a greater understanding of my path ahead.
Intrepid Australia 