My name is Tanish, and I am 17 years old. In just a year after arriving in Australia, I have taken on several significant leadership roles. I was appointed as the Student Head Prefect at my school and served as the Head of House Council in the Student Leadership Council. Additionally, I became a member of the Youth Advisory Committee of Campbelltown Council and volunteered as part of the Youth Crew. My involvement extended to being a part of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at school, where I actively participated in the South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC). I also engaged with the Youth Summit Plan and the Youth Action Plan by the Department of Human Services (DHS). My dedication and leadership were recognized when I was elected as a Student Ambassador. These experiences culminated in my selection for the Youth Parliament, where I continued to develop my leadership skills and make a positive impact.
I first learned about the Youth Parliament through the South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC) and the Campbelltown Council. Encouraged by my friends and my involvement with local youth initiatives, I decided to apply for the Youth Parliament. This decision marked the beginning of an incredible journey.
I had to be at the Nunyara Convention Centre on the 12th of July 2024 because I was elected as the Speaker for the House of Assembly. My training began with two days of intensive sessions on the 12th and 13th. On the 12th, I embarked on my first solo journey using the metro, which was an exciting experience. Upon arriving at Nunyara, I settled into my room and began my training. The sessions were comprehensive, covering the powers and responsibilities of a Speaker, how to handle various situations, and how to react in critical moments. The training was both enlightening and empowering.
On Sunday, the training took on a more professional tone, with us sitting as if we were in the actual Parliament House. This gave me a clear understanding of what to expect. Later that day, other participants began arriving. Initially, I felt shy and overwhelmed as I didn't know many people, but by the evening, everyone had settled in, and the training for the other participants began. The training sessions were thorough, running until 8 pm, followed by dinner, which everyone, including myself, enjoyed.
Parliament week began on Monday, which was incredibly exciting. Seeing the beautiful House of Assembly and witnessing the bill-passing process was fascinating. Monday evening included additional training, focusing on creating scripts and speeches with the help of party heads. Tuesday was particularly special as it marked my first day as Speaker. Although I felt nervous, the day went well. We also received invitation cards for a private showing hosted by Dr. Richard Harris, the Lieutenant Governor of SA.
Wednesday was a recreation day filled with activities and bonding with the task leaders. It was a day of relaxation and plenty of hot chocolates.
Thursday was energetic, as I had to debate as a member of the Crime Justice Corrections Committee. I continued my role as Speaker, and the day ended with more training, rest, and camaraderie at Nunyara.
Friday was a day filled with surprises and emotions. The highlight was watching the task leaders debate in the chamber, which was thrilling. After wrapping up, we returned to Nunyara, packed our belongings, exchanged contact information, took emotional photos, and said our goodbyes. By the end of the week, I had transformed from someone with stage fright to a confident individual open to new experiences and people.
In conclusion, my time in the Youth Parliament has been transformative. It has equipped me with valuable skills, broadened my horizons, and prepared me for future endeavors. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my peers and mentors, and I look forward to applying the lessons learned in my future pursuits.
