Supporting, assisting and coordinating are the skills I’m most proud of. Telling stories is another passion of mine. I’ve always believed that having a strong background in humanities and community service aids in my ability to be a better writer. Learning how to assist in enabling people to solve their problems requires a holistic approach, a “whole of” approach. It’s never just one issue that requires a little work or attention. There is more to the human framework than just one part. We are as complex as we are fragile.
As my life moves into the next phase I look for new challenges. Life is about doing more than we ever thought possible, age does not limit us, unless we choose it to.
I had been asked to answer a few questions proposed by the wonderful Christian Padayrol, the media representative for Rosies, as I complete my last year as coordinator for Recharge Zone One and move on to other challenges.
The link to his article in the newsletter will be available soon.
The questions Christian asked were important. As I answered each question I realised there was a true beginning, middle and end to my experience as coordinator.
How long have you been involved with Rosies and /or the Schoolies Response?
I started volunteering with Rosies in September 2011, attending my first Schoolies Week in November 2011. This will be my sixth year attending Schoolies Week and my second year coordinating the Recharge Zone on behalf of Rosies Youth Mission.
Why did you decided to get involved with Rosies and /or the Schoolies Response?
The reason I started volunteering with the homeless and disadvantaged is a story within itself and is now being turned into a musical stage play.
As I gained further qualifications, in business, counselling, applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST), AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) and even now I’m studying a Diploma of Community Service it seemed natural to utilise my skills to support and assist youth. So the Schoolies Response was a wonderful chance to support my community and young school leavers.
What is driving you to go on outreach (Rosies or Schoolie Response)?
I have always believed that I should be more than the sum of my own world. To explain this idea is simple. I should actively support and assist others and not just those who surround me either through family or friendship networks. That means to support those people who are often strangers and sometimes the most vulnerable people in our community. That’s what drives my continual commitment to night outreach. It’s not so different for Schoolies Week.
Often Schoolies Week brings a lot of first time experiences for young people who are away from their family. They encounter new and sometimes different emotions and situations. Once again, it’s about being more than the sum of my own world. Caring, supporting, assisting those young people who reach out to us over this time is why I myself and our Rosies volunteers are so passionate about Schoolies Week. Another very important part of why I enjoy the Schoolies Response is because of the wonderful volunteers I work with each night over that week. They are the true essence of Rosies, the most important people within our organisational framework.
Could you share a story(ies) which made you realise you were making a difference?
One story I remember so very fondly was supporting a young schoolie who wasn’t feeling well. He had experienced lots of new things, along with tiredness and missing his mum and dad it had become all too much. I sat with him for a long while, listening mostly. When he started to feel better I wished him well and to stay safe. The next night he returned with a box of chocolates for me. He thanked me for looking after him. I always accept, with gratitude, such wonderful acts of returned kindness for I have always believed we must acknowledge those who go that extra distance to thank us. This acknowledgment completes the cycle of support and kindness, and then we can all feel good about our actions.
Huge thank to Christian and the wonderful people I will volunteer with for the last time this year.
So until next time. Be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques.
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