By Libby O’Brien, Country to Canberra teen blogger.
For the average teenager, balancing the pressures of school life with home responsibilities can seem almost impossible, but maintaining stability between these factors is vital for a successful life. As a rural teenager in her final year of school, seventeen-year-old Jewel Dennis not only proves that this can be done, but she also sets an outstanding example for other teens, proving that rural teenagers can achieve just as much, if not more, than anyone else.
Jewel’s family are Queensland dairy farmers who have stood up against the big companies and created their own independent product, ‘4REAL’ Milk. Located in southeast Queensland, the Scenic Rim Robotic Dairy Farm has been featured on ABC News, ‘The Project’ and ‘The Today Show’. Jewel couldn’t be more proud of what the business has achieved and the local support it has gained. “I am very proud of what 4real Milk has achieved so far. It’s good to see all the support we have received from our customers and our stockists” Jewel said.
Not only does Jewel contribute to her family business, she also has dreams of her own that go beyond the farm. Jewel is a strong-willed person, and having loved her rural upbringing, she feels like she’s got the world at her feet. “I am hoping to go university next year and study a dual science/arts course. I am also hoping to, at some point, travel to Japan and study the language and culture at a deeper level. One of my long term goals is to one day be able to travel the world photographing natural and historical landmarks”.
Jewel is a firm believer that hard work gets results, which she displays through her school grades. As someone from a small town, she is still exposed to a population of approximately 1500 students at her high school. This is what Jewel believes has kept her level-headed and shown her what her future life could be like if she ends up attending university.
Jewel Dennis is an inspiration to rural teens and her positive attitude has inspired those around her to achieve great things. In regard to the future of her family’s proud business, Jewel has high hopes, “I’m looking forward to the future of 4real Milk and the Queensland dairy industry”.
You can learn more about the author Libby here or follow her on Twitter: @ekobkate