Emmaus College Jimboomba senior student and Tradition Captain Natalie Burns has been selected as one of ten Queensland Youth representatives at Perth’s United Nations National Conference in July.
The 17-year-old will have the opportunity to speak for Australia’s youth, with the conference providing the opportunity for exceptional young people in Years 10 to 12 from across Australia and New Zealand to come together to explore international issues.
Natalie says being able to get the voice of young people heard and have a say about what needs to be changed for the youth of today enticed her to apply for the position.
“Making a positive impact for people from all walks of life was the biggest appeal for me when I decided to submit my application to be a Queensland Youth representative at the UN National Conference,” she says.
“However, making a positive impact for people from all walks of life was the biggest appeal (for joining the UN Youth Program).”
To apply, Natalie completed a written application which included addressing the world issue of most importance to Natalie.
“I wrote about my experiences with Emmaus College’s Orion Club,” she added.
“In this club we undertake situational problem solving, which really gets you thinking about issues of importance to Australia and the wider world.
“I believe the UN National Conference selectors were looking for youth who want to make a change in the world, which I was able to show thanks to the skills I developed as part of my participation in Orion Club.
“As part of the conference I will get to compete in a model UN contest, undertake public speaking, and collect data to be used to paint a picture about life satisfaction and issues facing the youth of today.”
Natalie added she encourages other youth to follow in her footsteps.
“It is important to always be involved in the community and think about people other than yourself,” she says.
“I encourage everyone to consider problems facing our world and to identify what they can do as an individual, or as part of a group to be a change maker.”
An Emmaus College spokesperson said the school is privileged to have students who volunteer in the school and wider community in roles such as sports coaches, church, youth group volunteers, and donating their time to help at retirement centres.
Brisbane Catholic Education would like to congratulate Natalie and wish her all the very best at the UN National Conference.
For more information about Emmaus College Jimboomba and to enrol click here.