02 Jul 2019
This term, Samantha and Tahlia from Year 11 attended the Female Leadership Seminar at NSW Parliament House where they heard from some inspirational female speakers, toured Parliament House and met with some female Parliamentarians. This was a great opportunity for two female leaders in our own school community. Read an account of their visit below:
On the 6th of June, we were honoured to have the opportunity to attend the Female Leadership Seminar, at NSW Parliament House. After a train ride and a little walk we were prompt to find out what the day ahead would hold in store for us. After successfully making it through security we entered to explore the parliament house. It was great to see so many other young student female leaders from other schools. After finding our seat in the speaking hall we met the first inspirational speaker. She told us about her adventure and challenges she faced during a program she recently participated in called “the plunge”. During this speech, she encouraged us to take any opportunity that came across us even if we were unsure about it. The reason for this is because opportunities are rare. When they do come around you never know where they will take you.
During her motivational speech she also talked to us about what it takes to be a leader. She made an important point “there is not just one type of leader”. I believe this is true because those who lead, find their own individual way of leading. Following this point she gave us some tips when it comes to leading. The first two steps, was to take the plunge and to have integrity - ‘be your best self’. The third step was to never give up. It is important as a leader to never give up and to be resilient. The reason for this is because if you give up, then the rest of your team falls with you. The last tip was to believe in yourself, even when no one else seems to. She told us that it is ok to make mistakes, it's better than giving up. The last tip she gave us was that, in order to lead others you need to believe in yourself and your abilities, even if you face a difficult challenge. Always try to find a solution.
After listening to her speech, we had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her journey of being a leader and how she overcame her challenges in the program she went in. We also were able to get a photo with her. After this we were given a tour of the NSW Parliament house. The first area we went to was the green lower house, otherwise known as the Legislative Assembly. After viewing the lower house we headed to the upper house. The upper house, also known as the house of review was a red colour. Whilst in the upper house we were lucky enough to see the voting process. A loud bell went off and parliamentarians started to race into the room. We found out that if they didn't arrive before the bell stopped ringing they couldn't vote.
We ended our day with meeting some female parliamentarians. We had the opportunity to ask them questions about how they got into parliament and how they overcame any challenges they may have faced during their careers. All in all it was a wonderful day, we were able to gain an insight on what happens in the state government. We were also able to gain some information to assist us with our future leadership endeavors.
By Tahlia Miller-Dietrich
Photos by Samantha Battams