Inspirational speeches have helped Noosa students learn more about overcoming adversity, aiming high and developing resilience.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart shared her story of resolve at the Noosa District State High School, alongside a trio of inspiring University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) athletes.
Ocean ski world champion Jordan Mercer, wheelchair basketballer Steven Elliot and state cross-country representative Ben Tacey also motivated the students.
Mayor Stewart began the proceedings, sharing her story of survival and determination following a horrific accident 20 years ago.
“I was working as a graduate in Sydney at KPMG, living in Bondi Beach, jogging 10km every day,” she said.
“I crossed the road at the pedestrian crossing, as I did most days, and a garbage truck, that was doing its rounds, collected me.”
The now Noosa Mayor was trapped under the vehicle for 37 minutes and was conscious for the duration of the rescue efforts by the emergency services.
“The paramedics put towels over what was left of my legs, because they didn’t want me to see the mess, blood and tissue,” Mayor Stewart said.
She advised students to never let adversity define who they are or who they become.
Ocean ski world champion and ironwoman Jordan Mercer spoke to the students about her journey from gymnastics to surf lifesaving, paddle boarding and AFL.
Ms Mercer views the injuries and setbacks she has faced along the way as positives that helped her to achieve her proudest moments.
“They’ve made me stronger and wiser,” Ms Mercer said.
She told the students that it was up to them to decide whether to make an experience negative or whether it could become something that changed their life for the better.
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Wheelchair basketballer Steven Elliot told the students how transverse myelitis changed his life, with the condition causing his immune system to attack his spinal cord and left him with limited movement from the waist down.
Mr Elliot spoke of his love of the rough and tumble of wheelchair basketball and he has plans to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
He showcased his speed and agility in his custom-made basketball wheelchair, taking on cross-country Queensland representative Ben Tacey and Year 12 student (and keen runner) Luke Gregory.
Mr Tacey encouraged the students to adopt positive attitudes.
“The mind is a powerful tool. What we invest a lot of time thinking about can end up as our result. That’s why I don’t ever think about having a bad race,” he said.
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Mr Tacey told the students that preparation was crucial for a positive mindset.
The senior students felt empowered and thoroughly enjoyed the presentation.
Year 11 student Jannali Shorey said the speakers provided the students with practical and useful advice.
“We might not all become athletes, but what they had to say was very poignant and has come at a very helpful time for us,” she said.
“They were all engaging, friendly and relatable and I was super excited to recognise Jordan Mercer on my Nutri-Grain cereal box.”
