Last month, I had the privilege of participating as an Industry Volunteer with Beacon Foundation’s Prepare Program at Mt Ridley College. I’d been waiting for the opportunity to take part to support students in meaningful career conversations, so of course I said YES immediately.
What began as a morning of career storytelling became something far more meaningful: a flourish of personalities, honest moments, and powerful connection between professionals and a group of bright Year 8 students.
Challenging Perceptions
The session brought together around 20 students and seven volunteers from diverse backgrounds: three firefighters, a youth social worker, an insurance consultant, a finance professional and me.
The program was built around three thoughtful elements:
- “Who, Which, Really?” – an activity designed to smash stereotypes, where students matched surprising statements to each volunteer, highlighting how first impressions can be misleading, and why it’s important to challenge assumptions—especially when it comes to careers..
- Candid Career Journeys – where we shared the real-life paths we’ve taken and the transferable skills we’ve developed along the way.
- Advice to Our Teenage Selves – heartfelt reflections on what we wish we’d known, empowering the next generation to realise their own potential.
One moment that really struck me came from Nate, a firefighter who looked every bit the part, but offered something deeper. I asked him early on, “Why are you here?” He answered:
“I’m here for my colleagues. They shouldn’t have to be the only ones proving women belong in this job.”
His words weren’t just supportive, they were a call for allyship and accountability, grounded in workplace culture and personal conviction. Representation matters. But so does standing beside those breaking the mould. Cheers to you, Nate.
The Life Lesson I Had to Share
When it came time to share advice with our younger selves, after a chat about my unconventional upbringing and colourful career, I paused, looking down at the charcoal blue carpet as if speaking to my past self. I said:
“The relationships you have right now feel like they mean everything, and they do matter. But the relationship you have with yourself matters more. Start nurturing it now. You can learn to put yourself first later in life, but it’s so much easier if you begin early.”
The room fell quiet in a way that told me it had landed. A few students nodded along. Some of my fellow mentors did too.
Why These Moments Matter
What struck me wasn’t just the students’ confidence, it was how much it grew through genuine connection, especially from those who hadn’t seemed particularly engaged at the start.
By the end of the session, several students stayed back to continue conversations, ask questions, or thank Claire, our wonderful facilitator, for creating such a safe, welcoming space (even if it meant missing some of their lunch break).
Programs like Prepare remind us that career conversations aren’t just about jobs, they’re about identity, values, and possibility. When professionals show up with vulnerability, not just a résumé, we give students permission to be their full selves as they shape their futures.
Your Story Could Be the Spark
If you’ve ever thought your story isn’t “special enough,” trust me, it is.
This program doesn’t ask for polished success stories. It calls for real people who can show young people that:
- Career paths rarely go in straight lines
- Self-worth is non-negotiable
- They belong in any space they choose to step into
To the team at Beacon Foundation, to Claire, and especially to the students at Mt Ridley College, thank you. You reminded me that honest conversation is a powerful form of mentorship. I can’t wait to see you become everything you hope to be and more.
Want to get involved?
Learn more about volunteering with Beacon Foundation, or discover how small actions create big change at Small Change Big Change.
