Ameliija is one of our 2018 Leadership Competition winners. You can check out her winning entry here and her bio below.
Describe yourself in 80 words or less.
My name is Ameliija Swaffer-Selff and I love playing tennis. I am dedicated to playing tennis at a national level and I am also very committed to my studies. I love STEM subjects, especially Maths C, so I am passionate about encouraging young girls in rural Australia to follow their dreams. I love living in a rural area and interacting with the local community.
How old are you, what grade are you in and what community/town do you live in?
I am 15 years old and attend Moura State High School and I am completing grades 11 & 12 over three years, graduating in 2019. I was accelerated through 3 years of schooling, years 3, 9 & 10. Moura is a small rural town in Central Qld comprised of grazing, farming & mining industries with a population of approx. 1500 people. It is located a 7 hour drive from Brisbane.
Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition?
The C2C leadership competition provides an amazing and unique opportunity to meet with influential female leaders and to develop my leadership and public speaking skills. The competition also offers a platform to express my views on empowering women and inspiring female leadership.
What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip to Canberra?
I look forward to the opportunity to develop my leadership and public speaking skills, which I believe are essential skills which will be of enormous benefit as I move into my senior year of high school and university. I am especially looking forward to learning about Australian politics and interacting with influential political leaders.
Who is your role model and why?
People from my family are my main role models, especially my parents. They have instilled in me, and my three younger siblings, a belief that we can achieve anything we put our minds to. They have also nurtured a close family bond, along with the importance of a strong work ethic and being grateful for the little things in life.
What is your favourite thing about living in rural Australia?
My favourite thing about living in rural Australia is the sense of togetherness and community spirit. Growing up in the same town as my father has meant that I have grown up very much involved in the community and I am surrounded by people who know my family. Living rurally also means that extra-curricular activities are more accessible, as the travel time between any two places in town does not exceed five minutes.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about showing young girls that they can achieve anything that they set their minds to, so long as they are willing to put in the work. The barriers which once prevented young women from following their dreams are falling, and living in a rural area is by no means a limiting factor on what one can achieve.
What’s your favourite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou
What’s your main goal/ambition right now?
Right now, I am working towards a tennis scholarship to an American university, which I plan to obtain through my continued commitment to both tennis and my studies. I would also like to use the leadership and public speaking skills that I develop on the Power Trip to positively influence my school community during my senior year.
Tell us a couple of things you do to relax/have fun?
I have fun by relaxing with family and friends, listening to music and playing tennis.
How do people stay in touch with you?
Instagram: @ameliija.swaff