It was a real pleasure to host RYLA student Cailey Coles and her mother, Claudia de Jagar at our last Rotary meeting.
Cailey was brought up in Masterton, attended Tararua College and is now in the 3rd Year of an Interior Architecture degree at Victoria University.
It was obvious right from the start of Cailey’s very comprehensive power point presentation, that she had been inspired by much of what she had learnt, especially when the discussion groups which followed often led to changes in her ideas and perception.
Cailey’s enthusiasm brought to life topics which may otherwise have been considered “dull”. A session learning how to be the kindest and most productive person linked in to living a full and rewarding life, outside 9 – 5 commitments.
One of Cailey’s aims on her application form was to develop general leadership skills, enabling her to feel more confident in having her voice heard and making sure that everyone else’s is too. She appreciated the strategies she learnt in this regard.
Cailey considered the talk on Intercultural Leadership very valuable, learning that culture is much more than the language you speak and the belief you grew up in, explaining that she now understood that:
“It’s about what is special to you. What makes you, You”.
It was no surprise to learn that at the final awards ceremony, Cailey had been presented with the Initiative Award. One of only 3 awards presented. All present considered Cailey a very worthy and appreciative student.