Youth Lead the Way

When Patient Buddy Jess O’Reilly was asked to attend the Queensland Student Leadership Forum as the Mater representative, she didn’t realise what an adventure it would turn out to be. Here is her story.

The 2007 Queensland Student Leadership Forum was held in Brisbane at the end of August. The four day conference focussed on servant leadership and the influence of faith and values. Sixty delegates aged between 18 and 26 years attended, coming from all over Queensland. I was very fortunate to be sponsored by the Mater hospital to attend the forum and I was honoured to represent the Mater Volunteers.

The four days were truly inspiring. I was privileged to hear the individual stories of many prominent community leaders such as Andrew Fraser MP, Warren Pitt MP, Jeff Seeney MP, and the Honourable retired General Peter Cosgrove. In particular, I was touched by the courageous Brian Egan who shared his story of hardship, loss and his personal struggle with depression. Brian persevered through the darkness and in a hope to save others, he and family established the bush charity, Aussie Helpers.

We participated in a range of activities such as small group discussions, competitive indoor soccer and boot-scooting at the bush dance. We also spent an afternoon with Greening Australia planting saplings and seeds along the Bulimia River.

I really enjoyed my time at the forum, not only did I have the opportunity to meet so many inspiring individuals but the conference provided me with a wonderful opportunity to embrace servant leadership in my life. Hearing the stories of struggle and hope, opened my eyes and heart to the possibly of inspiring others by reaching out and serve my community. While also motivating me to persevere and work towards a life of compassion and love.