Jemma Wagner, 9 August, 2024 | Jemma speaking at the closing ceremony
After receiving support from QUT, Jemma Wagner, a communication and science double-degree student, had the opportunity to represent Australia at the 12th annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This fantastic experience allowed her to engage with student delegates from 47 countries, listen to inspiring speakers, participate in meaningful community initiatives, and assume a leadership role within the program. As a result, Jemma's understanding of global issues deepened, her leadership skills were enhanced, and her dedication to making a positive impact was strengthened. Keep reading to learn more about Jemma's experience in her own words.
Symposium Experience at the United Nations Conference Centre
QUT supported me to attend the 12th annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. As someone aiming to work in the United Nations one day, this was a fantastic opportunity to enhance my understanding of the organisation, begin networking, and gain practical, mental, and social experience.
Engaging with Global Leaders and Diverse Perspectives
Student delegates from 47 countries gathered for the Symposium in Bangkok, sharing their diverse voices and creating a melting pot of ideas and future visions for a better world. Each of the delegates came from unique disciplines and studies, with their own story and drive, but we all shared a desire to do our part in forging a brighter, more sustainable and equitable world. The commitment to making a difference and the passion and dedication shared by these future leaders were both humbling and inspiring.
The Symposium was an incredible experience. It consisted of a week of inspiring speeches from a broad range of passionate speakers, including heads of universities and founders of elephant sanctuaries. Each speaker has or is still making incredible changes and positive impacts in their respective fields. Listening to the stories of their unique work and journeys inspired us and offered many practical and mental tools and methods to enhance our change-making journeys.
Meaningful Community Initiatives on 'Kindness Day'
One of the days, aptly named 'Kindness Day', offered participation in a meaningful community initiative where delegates spent the day doing community work with different charity organisations.
My group visited a refugee village located on the Thailand-Myanmer border. We spent the morning at the local school doing various activities with the children; language proved no barrier for these lovely children, as we spent time together communicating through actions and smiles. In the afternoon, we visited the village and helped install solar-powered lights in the local houses. This day was both confronting and humbling.
I have come away with a renewed sense of gratefulness for the small things we take for granted and a determination to do more to bridge the resources divide.
Leadership Role and Professional Development
I was fortunate to be offered a leadership position in the program. Through this role, I had the opportunity to contribute in various extra ways, such as working at the check-in tent welcoming delegates, MCing a talent show in the local school, and leading a group of delegates for the Kindness Day activities.
These roles allowed me to assist the extraordinary team that organised the event while continuing to enhance my leadership, communication and professional development experience. I was also honoured to be selected to speak at the closing ceremony on the conference's final day.
In my short speech, I reflected on my experiences in the program. I reiterated some of the overarching messages of the conference, such as the inspiring vision that each of us not only has the potential to contribute and make significant change within our lifetimes but has a responsibility to do so.
Reflecting on My Time in Bangkok
I have come away from this experience with a renewed drive to strive high and a deepened responsibility to use the privileges I have been granted to create a positive impact. It was a fantastic opportunity to witness the powerful potential of both personal drive and unified vision. Thank you to the organisers, speakers, and everyone who made this experience possible.
This opportunity would not have been possible without the funding and backing of QUT. Thank you, QUT, for supporting this experience, which allowed me to represent Australia at this year's Symposium.
