focus_contributor.
LEADERS with CASSANDRA WILSON FROM BECOMING U PROJECT
H
JONAH BLACKBURN
i Jonah, so great to (and myself) that it is never too late to try meet you, tell me something new. a little bit about You were successful in the Elsa Dixon yourself… Aboriginal School Based Traineeship, tell I am an 18-year-old us about this incredible program. Gumbaynggirr young I was interested in a career in the health man, living, studying, and working in our industry and with the help of my career local Coffs Harbour community. I live with advisor, I applied for the traineeship with my family and have 2 younger sisters, one Mid Coast Local Health District and was in year 8 and one in successful. I was so year 6. I was born overwhelmed with here and attended happiness, relief and I love the drums primary school at both joy and my family was not just because Woolgoolga Primary so proud of me when they are loud, but School & Narranga I was chosen. Over Public School, before year 11 and year 12, I they help to express moving to Bishop work one day at Coffs myself, and gave me Druitt College for my Harbour Hospital, the goal to learn a high school years. one day studying at skill, showing others What do you love TAFE for a Certificate (and myself) that it is about school? III in Allied Health never too late to try I have such a great Services and three something new. group of friends and days at school. I would support network at 100% recommend school. The teachers this traineeship to my encourage us to try year 10 peers who are new things and be courageous. This is one interested in pursuing a career in the health of the reasons why in year 10 I took on the care industry. challenge of learning the drums. I love the Why was being part of this program so drums not just because they are loud, but important to you? they help to express myself, and gave me I see this as such an opportunity and the goal to learn a skill, showing others stepping stone towards reaching my
102 COFFS COAST
focus
goal of working and studying in the field of physiotherapy. I love that it gives me hands-on experience and opens my eyes to new ways of thinking and different ideas. It also gives me a chance to move between different wards, meet new people, develop mentors, and represent BDC in the workplace. You’re in year 12 now, where might we see you after you finish school? I’m thinking I would love to continue to work in health after I finish year 12, go to Uni to study physiotherapy and take some time off to meet more people and have more experiences. I have noticed that mentors are a common theme when talking to other youth leaders, has there been someone that has helped you? Yes, I have an uncle who is such a positive influence and strong role model in my life. He has helped me with making good life decisions, learning how to fish, become more confident with backing myself and inspired me to try martial arts. Lastly what advice do you have for other young people? Give anything a go, as you might surprise yourself and really like it and making mistakes makes you human, always learn from it and try again. Thanks Jonah.
