My role as Year 10 Pastoral Guardian provides me with the daily insight into the life of an adolescent. Their stories inspire me to look further afield to explore other stories of wisdom and strength, particularly from influential woman in Australia. In January, the winners of the 2020 Blackmores Mercie Whellan Woman and Wellbeing Awards were announced. The story of Maddison O’Gradey-Lee, the worthy recipient of the Youth Category, is one of true inspiration and wisdom. She is an advocate of mental health for adolescents. Here is a extract of her short but incredible journey thus far:

At seventeen Maddison started High Tide mental health workshops in high schools to reduce stigma and help kids thrive, based on courageously sharing her own personal experience of living with anxiety. Now 22, she’s helped build a global model of youth mental health care with Orygen, presented at the United Nations, won a Dalai Lama Peace Fellowship – the first young Aussie to do so, appeared on ABC’s The Crack-Up which helped raise $1 million for mental health research, and volunteered in Vietnam and Sri Lanka. She’s also finishing her honours degree in Psychology and Public Health and Policy at Macquarie Uni.

“Growing up I used to think my mum was making up the whole anxiety thing to simply make me feel better. It wasn’t until my Year 7 school, when camp teacher Ms Lucas told me about her own experience of living with anxiety, that I realised it was nothing to be ashamed of and most importantly could be overcome.

"In Year 11 I started my High Tide workshops at local high schools to destigmatise mental health and start conversations based on my own experience. That same year I was accepted onto the youth council of Orygen where I recently helped develop a global model of youth mental health care.

"I believe that looking after our mental health before it reaches crisis point is just as important as looking after our physical health, and where better to start than with today’s youth?

"I still get butterflies whenever I tell my own personal story because it’s such a vulnerable thing to do. There are still many misconceptions about mental illness out there. However, I know there’s power in acknowledging our own experience and it can make a huge difference to others who are struggling and perhaps scared to speak out.

"I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some amazing female mentors, including Layne Beachley, who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ve learned it’s important to back yourself and the people in your life. This belief and subsequent fight for your cause or fight for yourself creates incredible change.”

The message I have taken from Maddison's journey is that sometime the deepest and darkest challenges we experience as adolescents can be the building blocks to the future. In her case it brought about an idea that has had a profound impact on adolescents worldwide. It prompts me to think about the challenges our Year 10s have faced recently and the resilience they are building due to COVID. What life-changing ideas have come of the COVID experience? Is there an idea that sits in the mind of our students, just waiting to be unleashed to the world, that may hold the key to peace and joy for all. The adolescents of today truly have the world in their hands and, as their guiding adults, we play a huge role in encouraging them to live out their ideas and bring goodness to our world. What idea does your daughter have that could make a profound change on the lives of others?

Queensland will continue to ease restrictions, and this is just in time for the holidays. June/July holidays will be a very different experience compared to our Easter holidays. Some of the Year 10s have shared what they are most looking forward to:

During Stage 2 of COVID restrictions, I can see the holidays bringing friends and families in the state back together. I would consider having a gathering myself and would invite my amazing friends I sit with, my favourite cousin, and some other friends from other schools. Over the next couple of weeks, I'm excited to be able to have some decent wi-fi as, hopefully, fewer people will be on the network. Throughout the restrictions I've learnt that we are lucky to be in a country where border restrictions have have been our defence against COVID. We are grateful for the beautiful ocean that surrounds our land and the common good of all Australians.

Lauren D’Agostino

Isolation taught me lots of things but, most of all, it taught me to be 'slow'. It may sound silly, but most aspects of our lives are rushed; whether it's due dates, relationships, or schedules, we are always rushing. During isolation, I enjoyed doing small things like bike riding and going for walks with my friends. It gave me time to get to know people before 'rushing' into maybe 'more exciting things'. One thing I am looking forward to when restrictions ease off is having the freedom to say to my friends, "Hey! Want to have a sleepover?", or, "Want to go shopping together?" It will be fun to finally do the things that felt so long awaited.

Jemima Bishop

With more restrictions being lifted as a result of Stage 2 of COVID, I’m really excited for the holidays to commence so that we can go out with the whole group, sit down, relax, and catch up. Also, since there are more stores opening, it finally seems like our country is getting back to normal. The restrictions have taught me about the importance of socialising; life without it isn’t as exciting and I feel less motivated. However, luckily, we now have more opportunities to socialise with our friends and family.

Amelia Spanevello

The COVID-19 restrictions have made me more aware of the presence of family and friends. It was certainly difficult not being able to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins during restrictions. I also felt lonely at times and found myself missing the company of my friends. Although I could still connect with people over social media, this was not comparable to seeing them in real life. Now that some of the restrictions have lifted, I am very excited to see my family and friends again. Quarantine has taught me to not take the time I spend with loved ones for granted and to always be present in the moment.

Aleisha Ling

Conversation Starters

Name twenty people you would like to invite for dinner.
Is there a need in our community? What should we do about it?
Do you know who Maddison O’Gradey-Lee is?

Tamara Richardson

Quick Dates

Week 8/9, Term 2