Post by the super Anna Scott, one of our 2019 Leadership Competition winners.
I can still vividly remember Country to Canberra’s leadership competition being announced at assembly. I can recall tentatively asking a couple of my friends if maybe we could all enter, because I didn’t feel this was something I could do by myself- not even the trip, just writing an entry. It was after a teacher encouraged me to have a go that I thought why not- I’m passionate about feminism and opportunities for women, so it would be great to write it all down, even just to clarify it in my head if nothing else. So when Country to Canberra’s team called me to say I was one of the 18 winners across Australia, I couldn’t believe it.
The next few weeks were a blur of nervous excitement. I often think about when I was walking down the steps of the airport and the team spotted me, and I had an instant feeling of eagerness. It was clear that these people- volunteers and winners alike- were kind, inviting and excited for the coming days.
Over the next five days, we participated in a range of workshops, from managing money to public speaking to resilience to Country to Canberra’s own Project Empower. We visited Parliament House where we listened to Question Time, had lunch with a range of MPs and Senators and even met Scott Morrison, all of which convinced me to alter my VCE subjects to include legal studies. My favourite event was the panel event where Country to Canberra volunteer Han Worsley spoke to Ashleigh Streeter-Jones, Dale Sheridan and Emma Moss, and we were also able to put our newly learnt networking skills into practise.
Leaving Canberra was a tear-filled blur of goodbyes. Parting with my new friends- friends who I had connected with more over five short days than many friends I have known for years- was difficult. Yet, I now have like-minded, lifelong friends who I connect with regularly online.
Upon going back to school, I was asked to speak about my trip at assembly, and, strangely enough for someone whose nightmare before Country to Canberra was speeches in front of a class of 25, I was able to confidently stand in front of 300 students and teachers to speak about the Power Trip.
Country to Canberra has given me new skills and connections, lifelong friends and has propelled me forward into a world where I now feel I am more than a bystander- a world where I can make an impact.
Anna’s Power Trip was kindly sponsored by AgriFutures Australia!
