Experiencing what it could be like in the real world. Showing up as your best self and perhaps finding the job that is right for you in the future. We always encourage life long learners and 'Courage,' which is one of our schools three values (the other two are 'Imagination and Belief'), and last week our Year 10 students were stepping outside their comfort zone and experiencing an amazing range of job opportunities.

Jin Hamza Year 10 Lalor North Secondary College

As a young person, I always dreamed of experiencing what it would be like to enter parliament and meet influential figures like Ministers, MPs, and even the Premier. It seemed like an unattainable goal. However, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity that Lalor North Secondary College has given me to meet someone like Bronwyn Halfpenny, who has been incredibly cooperative and kind. Through Bronwyn's assistance, I had the privilege of meeting both the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrew, and the Minister of Education, Natalie Hutchins.

What struck me the most during my time in parliament was the genuine warmth and inclusiveness displayed by everyone there. This welcoming atmosphere not only made me feel valued and listened to, but it was evident that this caring attitude extended to every individual. It was inspiring to witness the collective dedication of all present towards serving the people and striving for positive changes that would provide the necessary support for those in need.

Upon entering the Lower House, I was met with a noticeable air of seriousness. The representatives were genuinely concerned about understanding the desires and requirements of the people. They actively listened and engaged in discussions, deliberating on the issues at hand and exploring potential solutions to help those who were most vulnerable.

My visit to parliament revealed the remarkable dedication and hard work exhibited by each person present. They tirelessly strive to improve our lives and help from various domains. I witnessed a meeting between the MPs, Ministers, and the CEO of Netball, who attentively listened to the challenges faced by the people as conveyed by the MPs and Ministers. It became evident that they genuinely care about us, and their job is far from easy. It requires immense patience and resilience. Unfortunately, not everyone acknowledges the magnitude of their efforts or their ability to generate optimal solutions that cater to the needs of the people.

During my work experience, I had the opportunity to ask numerous questions to Lara, Bronwyn's secretary. However, Lara never made me feel as though I was asking too much. On the contrary, she appeared delighted that I displayed an interest in such matters. As I left parliament at the end of the day, I didn't depart empty-handed. Instead, I carried home a wealth of intriguing information that I eagerly shared with my family. I acquired extensive knowledge about their system and gained insight into the roles of the Ministers and their commitment to serving the people of Victoria. It became apparent that it is no easy task to ensure everyone's satisfaction, yet they tirelessly exerted their best efforts to help.

One captivating and memorable aspect I have learned and deeply appreciated is the remarkable level of freedom enjoyed in Australia. Having come from Syria, a country where freedom and democracy were non-existent, it is truly remarkable to witness the abundance of freedoms available in Australia. In my home country, merely discussing freedom or democracy would attract severe repercussions, even torture, from the president. However, in Australia, we are fortunate to experience a robust democracy, cherishing our freedom of speech, where our voices are heard, and our well-being is valued.

This invaluable freedom lies at the core of the parliament's role in Australia. Their primary focus revolves around providing extensive assistance to individuals encountering challenges and in dire need. The parliament diligently endeavours to ensure that every citizen's concerns are addressed, reflecting their commitment to serving the people and upholding their rights. This stark contrast between my previous experiences and the liberating environment in Australia has left an indelible impression, underscoring the importance and significance of democracy and freedom in shaping a society that genuinely cares for its citizens.

Overall, this experience exceeded my wildest dreams and left a profound impact on me. It reinforced my belief in the importance of compassionate leadership and the power of collective efforts to bring about meaningful change for the betterment of society.

Work Experience at Bronwyn’s Halfpenny’s Office

My time spent in Bronwyn's office was an incredibly transformative and eye-opening experience. Despite being new to this environment, the employees in her office went above and beyond to make me feel safe, welcomed, and supported—an act for which I am sincerely grateful. The cohesive and cooperative atmosphere within Bronwyn's office was truly remarkable. Each staff member demonstrated a genuine commitment to assisting people, irrespective of the size or complexity of their issues. They wholeheartedly listened to individuals, empathizing with their concerns, and exerted every effort to provide the best possible help.

At the head of the office was Korey, a remarkable leader who led by example. Korey's friendly and approachable demeanour made him instantly likable. He possessed a unique ability to bring laughter and smiles to those around him, whether they were employees or individuals seeking help. Korey's genuine desire to create a positive and uplifting environment made a significant impact. During my time there, he entrusted me with various responsibilities, including managing printing tasks, operating the printer, answering phone calls, and actively listening to the concerns of others.

Engaging with the diverse range of responsibilities allowed me to acquire valuable skills and personal growth. I learned how to cultivate confidence and improve my socializing abilities, especially in conversations with people—an aspect I previously found challenging. Through this experience, I have become more self-assured and capable of effectively engaging with others.

Furthermore, my exposure to the inner workings of politics provided a unique perspective. While I have always held an interest in politics, this experience deepened my understanding of how it operates in practice. It has become clear to me that political engagement requires careful consideration and informed decision-making—a process I will approach with caution and careful deliberation.

In the end, my time in Bronwyn's office has been a profound learning experience, equipping me with new skills and insights. The supportive and dynamic environment fostered personal growth and instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassionate leadership. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the office's mission of assisting others and will carry the lessons learned with me as I continue my own journey. By Jin Hamza

More of Our Amazing Students Making Their Mark

Christian Despotidis and his Passion for Planes

My time at work experience with Jetstar was absolutely amazing. Especially since I have a passion for aviation.

My uncle inspired me because he is a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer with Qantas since the 80’s. During my week of work experience I’ve learnt so much about how a aircraft really works. Things we don’t see as a passenger and much more. After doing work experience it has really changed my mind, in aircraft maintenance I was convinced to do the apprenticeship at Jetstar. Everyone was so welcoming, even though I was nervous on the first day they made me feel at ease and part of the team and encouraged me to work with everyone to learn different things. We had so many great laughs and one employee was teaching me great life advice for future jobs and applications. On Thursday I had the privilege of being involved in Jetstar’s 19th birthday celebration, so we had a little party with cake, music, drinks, and balloons. On the last day I got a once in a lifetime opportunity to be taken around the airport to every terminal and see things passengers don’t normally see. It was amazing to see the big international jets up close and it was very loud.

We even had cabin crew doing promo on the aircraft in the hangar and I was in the background of it. My time there was an absolute blast, and I was invited back for work experience anytime. By Christian Despotidis

Mia's time to shine