Post by the wonderful Heather Proud, one of our 2019 Leadership Competition winners.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the call. Partly because I couldn’t stop trembling. Surely I didn’t win? That’s absolutely impossible! And yet, when the voice on the other end of the phone told me the news, I couldn’t quite comprehend at the time how unbelievably valuable the Power Trip prize really was.
The 2019 Country to Canberra Power Trip was … well, to be completely honest, I can never think of the perfect word to describe it. It was stimulating, participating in a wide range of workshops about everything from leadership and gender equality, to finances and University advice. I also attended panel events and networked with a multitude of inspirational leaders that I will always be able to reach out to for advice, which was very eye-opening. The trip was also extremely rewarding, having the opportunity to speak with politicians from all over the country, and even (briefly) meeting the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. It was also incredibly upsetting, when I had to leave life-long friends, that I had only really known for 3 days, yet bonded so easily with, all having the same passion for gender equality as myself.
One phrase I have used quite often to describe the Power Trip is life-changing, and when people look at me in disbelief, I am almost sorry that everyone can’t have Country to Canberra as a part of their lives. The leader I am today is very different to that girl before the trip that didn’t even think they could win something so precious. I continue to use the skills and opportunities that Country to Canberra has given me every day, and I will cherish them forever.