A criminology student has explored leadership based on faith and values at a recent forum in Canberra.
Criminology and Criminal Justice student Jade Pereira attended the 2014 National Student Leadership Forum with almost 300 young people from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Jade was sponsored by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice to attend the five-day forum, which is an initiative of Members and Senators of the Federal Parliament.
Jade said the forum included many unique experiences including meeting politicians such as Joe Hockey, Bill Shorten, Scott Morrison and Jason Clare, and learning about their personal beliefs and values.
“It was such an amazing experience to meet so many young people who share the same passion for serving those around them and helping their community, ” Jade said.
“We attended an incredibly moving ceremony at the War Memorial and were able to take part in a poppy laying ceremony in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”
Jade said her community service at a vandalised Islamic Centre was her most memorable experience as it demonstrated the goals of the forum. Vandals had smashed TVs, graffitied walls and ruined the Centre’s Library.
“We spent two hours fixing the library but didn’t realise our impact, until we were told they’d been trying to restore it for two years,” Jade said.
“They were so happy and grateful, it was almost incomprehensible to me that such a reaction could arise from us completing such a simple task.”
“Serving those around you is truly one of the most valuable experiences you can have,” she said.
Find out more about studying Criminology and Criminal Justice.