Grace 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 Grace, I am a passionate and driven 16 year old girl. Some may also call me loud; as you can usually hear me before you see me. In my past time, if you don’t find me on a netball court, you will probably find me curled up with a cup of tea or spending time with my mum and aunty.
How old are you, what grade are you in and what community/town do you live in?
I’m 16 years old, currently in year 10 at St John’s College in Dubbo NSW.
Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition?
I entered Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition as I had an amazing opportunity right at arms reach and what did I have to lose. I feel as though it was the
perfect opportunity to meet inspiring female leaders, develop new skills and be surrounded by like minded females. I just could not resist entering.
What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip to Canberra?
From attending the Power Trip in Canberra I hope to gain knowledge, new skills and networks to further my understanding on the world we live in, the people that are apart of it and the issues we all face. I hope to develop entrepreneurial skills and methods on leadership which will ultimately further me in life.
Who is your role model and why?
Michelle Obama, Mia Freedman and Jamila Rizvi are definitely all role models of mine. However the women around me day to day definitely hold more significance to me. My mum, Aunty and my Nan; three incredible women who all touch me in different ways. My Aunty- to be strong and resilient, my Nan- to be fierce and my Mother-to stand up for what I believe in and to never let my gender come between me and my dreams.
What’s your favourite thing about living in rural Australia?
My favourite thing about rural Australia would have to be the people. Not only the fact that majority of my family live in the Central West of NSW, but also the people that make up my community definitely contribute to my love for this region.
What are you passionate about?
A passion of mine is definitely gender equality. Even though it is 2018, the gap between male and female’s is still very much present; whether it be in the classroom or on social media. I feel as though its absolutely crucial to break down the barriers and more importantly stand up for what is right. The issue I personally face with gender inequality is the very reason why I decided to enter Country to Canberra.
What’s your favourite quote?
“I raise up my voice — not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…we cannot succeed when half of us are held back”
-Malala Yousafzai
What’s your main goal/ambition right now?
Right now my main goal is to finish school having done everything in my power to set me up for my future. The next two years are extremely important to me as they are my final years of school. I know that school is only a tiny part of my life however I hope that through hard work and determination I will reap the benefits and further set me up for a successful career.
Tell us a couple of things you do to relax/have fun?
A few things I do to have fun would have to be playing netball, spending time with friends and definitely hanging out with my family. I spend a lot of time studying as well as working so in my spare time I try to fill it by being surrounded by the people I love.
How do people stay in touch with you?
Instagram- grace_mudge
Grace’s Power Trip is kindly being sponsored by AgriFutures Australia!
