Inspired for the Future

Emily Gosbell - Career and Pathways Coordinator

INSPIRE

The ability to give an idea or a feeling,

to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it.

On a cold (almost winter) Wednesday evening in Donvale, we welcomed some 500 people to our Inspire Careers Expo.

When inspired, people often refer to having a ‘light bulb’ moment, so our branding of the event featured a glass jar filled with fairy lights. We wanted the evening to represent a space full of many light bulb moments – many points of inspiration.

We invited students in Years 9-12. For the Year 9s this could have been their first taste of potential career pathways; for the Year 10s, this was a compulsory event to help them to be proactive in planning their potential pathways and to gain wisdom from the stories of others; for those in Years 11 and 12 the night helps them refine their understanding of options available and where they feel they can make a difference in the world.

In the gym students were given an opportunity to meet with 23 Tertiary organisations. From the big universities to private colleges and TAFES, through to Bible colleges and those offering alternative pathway options, it was a place to ask questions and seek guidance.

Up the path in the Year 7 Centre and the Library was the place to hear from some of our Donvale alumni. How wonderful that 37 past students were willing to give up their time, eager to return to their old school and  share their unique and exciting career journeys - engaging with alumni helps students to process possibilities and make wise decisions about their immediate future. 

Thank you, alumni, for what you contributed to the evening and the way in which you blessed our current students - it's a testament to our school community and the values that we share.