Moree Secondary College senior students were given a fresh look at what life is really like outside the school gates, during an inspiring workshop presented as part of 2019 National Skills Week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Truth Project, presented by Year13, came to Moree Secondary College on Tuesday, August 27 and involved interactive workshops for year 10, 11 and 12 students which aimed to enhance their knowledge and encourage a more positive post-school journey.
The Year 10 session aimed to 'motivate' students to set meaningful goals and overcome challenges to reach them; year 11 students were 'educated' about the range of employment opportunities available to them beyond the standard university pathway; and the year 12 workshop was designed to 'resonate' with students as they embark on the final stages of high school and face the challenges of post-school life.
"The idea of The Truth Project is basically to align to what you're passionate about," presenter Jannah Beth said.
"Ninety-one per cent of the 12,000 people we asked said that to be successful is to be happy.
"We start out by asking students, 'what would you do if money wasn't an object?' We're often told this narrative that you have to follow a certain path after school ... but it takes time to work out what you are passionate about. So we go into schools and share our own stories - I'm a high school drop-out; I didn't finish year 10 and I'm a musician. I studied music through TAFE and since then have had an amazing music journey. Through that I found out I'm really passionate about people."
Through a combination of personal stories and videos, The Truth Project aims to reveal the nature of workplaces, industries, education and the ability of young people to achieve their dreams. It also provides information about a range of employment opportunities available to students beyond the standard university pathway and emphasises the importance of VET.
Jannah said the biggest message she hopes students can take away from the workshops is that they can achieve their own version of success.
"They can achieve what their goals are and everyone here does have a bright future," she said.
"Also, be proactive about finding pathways available to them. We're helping them sift through all this information and bring it back to the sentiment that it needs to be something they're passionate about."
Jannah said she received some great feedback from the Moree students.
"It was a highlight to be able to talk openly about our goals and how to reach them," one student commented.
Another said the true stories and videos made it more relatable.
"They are very good presenters and public speakers, and the fact that they are young makes it easier to connect with them and understand where they are coming from," another student said.
"It was cool to meet and be mentored by such successful people."
The Truth Project was held as part of 2019 National Skills Week, which runs from August 26 to September 1.
