Confidence key for young leader

By Bridget Brady
BELINDA Ear thinks Cranbourne’s female youth should believe in themselves and live up to their full potential.
And the Year 11 Cranbourne Secondary College student is leading by example, attending the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Sydney this week.
Belinda, 16, was one of 50 year 11 girls from across Australia who were chosen to attend the week-long program at Sydney University.
Each student was selected on the basis of her individual achievements and ambitions.
“I like the idea of being a role model to younger girls because people don’t tend to think much of Cranbourne,” she said.
“Girls in Cranbourne need to have more hope. They might not think much of themselves but they’ve got as much to give as anyone and don’t give themselves enough credit.”
Chief executive of UBS Australasia, Matthew Grounds, said the academy aimed to provide insight into the possibilities and requirements of a successful career.
“They (chosen students) all share in a common desire to lead other young women by example. We’re confident many will go on to make a mark in their chosen fields,” Mr Grounds said.
Belinda has been a Student Representative Council (SRC) leader at her school and said she would like to pursue an artistic career, but had not made a definite decision about her future career, so wanted to try new things while she decided.
“I’m going to meet a lot of new people and learn new skills. I just wanted to do something different and see what was out there.”
Belinda said it was important for young people to try things outside of their “safety zone”.
“I was very excited when I found out I was accepted.”
Belinda left for Sydney on Monday and will return from her trip on Sunday.