Post by the excellent Jasmine Thompson, one of our 2019 Leadership Competition winners.
My name is Jasmine Thompson, and I am from Charters Towers in North Queensland. Growing up in a rural town, I have had many opportunities to further my passion of sport, but I have never been able to further my leadership and networking skills, or to have the chance to feel empowered as a woman in the 21st Century.
However, in November of last year, that reality changed for me. I still remember how I felt when I received a phone call from Eve; I remember thinking, “How does a simple girl from a simple town win something this huge?”, and of course, I remember watching my mum cry behind the blur of my own tears when I told her the incredible news.
During my time in Canberra on the Power Trip, my whole perspective of the world changed. I was not confined to the norms of a town where teenage girls are not often viewed as capable. I had my eyes opened to a myriad of opportunities by the fabulous team at Country to Canberra, from improving our public speaking skills, to learning about financial wellbeing (a pivotal point in the trip – now we all understand how Super works!).
But perhaps two of the most important things I learnt on that trip were these:
- There really are some incredible people out there, you just need to look in the right places. I met two girls in particular on this trip who I would go as far as to say are some of my best friends. Country to Canberra has connected me with some brilliant women who I never would have met otherwise.
- I am capable. I am capable of anything I put my mind to, and the staff at Country to Canberra, the inspiring guest speakers and of course, the other 17 Power Trip winners have shown me this. They have encouraged me and empowered me to be the best version of myself, and for this, I am forever grateful.
As a 16 year old girl, living in rural Queensland, I have often found it difficult to express myself, but no matter what, I will always be proud to say that I grew up a country kid. Without this title, I would not have been able to find myself.
There are hundreds of thousands of girls living in rural Australia, stretching all the way from communities in Arnhem Land to even the most remote areas in Tasmania. They are all looking for a way to feel empowered, and believe me, it is by entering Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition. You may not think you will be successful, but there is someone who believes in you. If you have a vision for change, Country to Canberra will give you the opportunity to make it happen.
Jasmine’s Power Trip was kindly sponsored by AgriFutures Australia!
