What an amazing year it has been!

I started off 2005 at the Woodford Folk Festival doing media and interviewing so many wonderful artists from around the country. It was hot and dirty but hella fun!

In January I made it over to Hangzhou, China on scholarship with the QUT Study Abroad program to compare how the Chinese and Australians use the Internet. It was eye opening and delicious and although at times rough, overall it was amazing!

At the beginning of February I turned 21 and towards the end of February I went to the United Arab Emirates. I was there on a fully funded trip to present a paper I had written on the advantages and disadvantages to students of an online-based education at the E-ducation Without Borders conference. THAT was truely incredible. I met so many wonderful people from all over the world and am still in contact with some of them.

In April I attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. I didn't get out of it what I thought I would but it was still an amazing experience and one that got me involved with a local youth suicide bereavement support service called HeadHigh.

In July and August I was able to represent HeadHigh, myself and Rotaract (Rotary's Youth group) at the 3rd World Youth Congress in Scotland. To date, I have never had such a life changing event! The theme of the congress, "Be the change" from Gandi's, "Be the change you want to see in the world" has become my mantra.

Since the congress I have been in constant contact with local and state government representatives, universities, community groups and just about anyone who will listen about how wonderful youth are and how they just need a little guidance to pay off as the best investment you can possibly make!

I truely believe this and have dedicated myself to representing young people in a positive light where ever I can.

Recently, I have also created the Young Australian Women's Alliance, a free community and youth based organisation dedicated to supporting positive local change.

It has been a truely fulfilling and challenging year and I look forward to my adventures in 2006!!