UWA Social Work and Equity students gain tips on leadership and taking action
On Tuesday 16 September, Auspire introduced students from the University of Western Australia to 2022 WA Australian of the Year, Paul Litherland, for a Thought Leadership Forum on Embracing Opportunities.
Joined by Dr Ness Vaughan, Senior Lecturer Global Health at UWA Medical School, the two guest speakers spoke openly of challenging times in their lives that have defined their paths.
While Paul is no stranger to speaking to students – having presented on cyber safety to tens of thousands over the years, a commitment that led him to receive his Australian of the Year recognition – this would likely be the first time they would hear his background and life experiences that have shaped him, and led him to be the inspiring Australian he is.
Following a tough upbringing with much hardship and trauma, Paul shared how he decided to become a police officer, then faced a major setback following a car accident that changed his trajectory, limiting his physical capabilities and prompting a transfer to the Police cyber safety department. With this, Paul emphasised the lesson that potentially the worst experience can lead to some of the best in your life.
Meanwhile, Ness was open to reflecting on their experiences of moving around a lot in their youth, the passing of their younger brother from a car accident, their time as a university student, and the juxtaposition of finding their place in academia while also having the feeling of imposter syndrome.
With audience members in the room and joining online, questions came thick and fast from the Social Work and Equity students, including asking about frustrations Paul still feels in the online world, how to bridge the divide working with young people, and one piece of practical advice from each speaker that the audience could take away from them.
Paul encouraged everyone to change the online world – one that has been “created with no rules” – by sharing what they’ve been through. And don’t be afraid to tell someone that they’re not doing their job properly.
With fire in their hearts and words of inspiration resonating in their minds, students were treated to a pizza lunch, joined by Paul and Ness to continue to ask questions and gain their unique insight from their life experiences.
This youth leadership forum was a collaboration between Auspire and the University of Western Australia’s Equity Scholarship Program and School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
