As a partner school of Griffith University, QAHS values the exclusive opportunity of nominating two Year 12 students to attend their Future Leaders Retreat. Held from 15 to 17 January at the Griffith University Gold Coast campus, the program is packed with personal development opportunities. We congratulate Sara Shafei and Yaj Borra for being accepted as our Future Leaders representatives for 2024. Sara and Yaj took part in leadership workshops, engaged in interactive sessions and heard from inspiring speakers as they made new friends with other Year 12 students who are interested in studying at Griffith University. Sara recounts and reflects on her experience at the Griffith University Future Leaders Retreat below:
Over the Summer holidays, Yaj Borra and I had the great opportunity of attending the Future Leaders Retreat hosted by Griffith University. With leaders in attendance in representation of over 400 schools invited from all across Queensland, to say this was an incredible event to network would be an understatement.
Over the course of the three-day camp, there was a diverse range of guest speakers who were able to provide varying perspectives of the ways in which leadership was integrated in their personal day-to-day lives and careers. To name a few of the guest presenters – Dr Candace Kruger, Maddie Panther, Sonia McDonald, Tim Bennett and Andy Gourley.
Additionally, we had the choice to participate in three workshops, mine being Sports in the Strength Lab, leadership in business, and law, which was my personal favourite particularly because we got an insight into the Innocence Project through the Griffith University Law Department. These workshops provided a glimpse into studying at Griffith, which was highlighted throughout the camp.
With panels of Griffith University Graduates, current students, and a student just about to begin her studies, there were various opportunities to get familiar with the entry process, opportunity to ask questions but ultimately get to know the University from an academic but also social perspective.
As great as these workshops and sessions were, my personal favourite time was out of the classroom and getting to know new people from all across Queensland. This was an aspect I valued as we had the opportunity to go bowling, play mini golf and a have a fluoro night disco over the course of the retreat. I think the importance of connecting and creating relationships, not only as leaders but as people from all walks of life, from all parts of the state was something I valued most. Because there was one to two people in representation of each school, we all found comfort in knowing we were all working outside of our comfort zone as a collective. In knowing no-one, this camp provided incredible opportunities to connect simply as humans because you lived with these people and shared meals together without having a sense of familiarity, which is an experience you would rarely get in the outside world. As a result, I was privileged to make several friendships that I regularly keep in touch with, which I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet without attending this specific retreat.
Ultimately, this was an incredible experience with amazing people. If I could do it again, I definitely would. I encourage current Year 11 Student Leaders to apply for this opportunity when it emerges for you towards the end of the year.
Marnie Chetter
Teacher of English & Student Leadership Coordinator