Jasmine is one of our 2019 Leadership Competition winners. You can check out her winning entry here and her bio below.
How old are you, what grade are you in and what community/town do you live in?
I am sixteen years old and I am in year 11. I live in Charters Towers, Queensland.
Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition?
I was encouraged by my teacher, Rosie Maguire, to enter the Country to Canberra Leadership Competition. I connect with the values of County to Canberra; empowerment and equality, which made creating my submission very enjoyable. I thought that winning this once in a lifetime opportunity would put me in good stead for my future.
What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip to Canberra?
I hope that by attending the Power Trip to Canberra I will be able to strengthen my leadership qualities and improve my public speaking skills. I look forward to being inspired by powerful women in our country and finding new ways to break the barrier of gender equality.
Who is your role model and why?
I am constantly surrounded by strong and powerful women, but there are three in particular who I hold in high esteem. Rosie Maguire lives by the saying: “Women should build each other up and not tear each other down,” a motto I connect with. Her great positive energy inspires me daily. My grandmother, who passed away earlier this year, was the most selfless, strong and independent woman I have ever met and never let her gender stand in the way of what she believed in. My mother has always instilled in me the belief that I can achieve anything I put my mind to – winning Country to Canberra is a testament to this.
What’s your favourite thing about living in rural Australia?
Living in a small country town has allowed me to participate in a wide variety of sports and other cultural activities. Often students that attend city schools can only participate in one or two sports/events because of travel and time. Our close-knit community has provided me with endless amounts of support and encouragement which has allowed me to grow into the powerful young woman I am today.
What’s your favourite quote?
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” – Mother Teresa
What’s your main goal or ambition (right now, or in the future)?
My main ambition right now is to excel in and enjoy my last year of secondary education at Columba Catholic College in 2020. I have high hopes and dreams for a bright future and plan on working hard to become the best version of myself. I believe when women support each other, incredible things happen and by doing this, anything is possible, the opportunities are endless.
Tell us a couple of things you do to relax or have fun?
I am heavily involved in sports, so swimming, long distance running and netball are some of the things I do to relax. I also enjoy public speaking, and of course, socialising and spending time with my friends.
Jasmine’s Power Trip is kindly being sponsored by AgriFutures Australia!