David Singleton is a Year 12 student at Northern Beaches Secondary College (Balgowlah Boys Campus) who is one of 30 incredible Art of Smart Future Leaders from across NSW for 2018.
David stood out from over 500 applications for his passion for Information Technology & Computer Science and his determination that has led him to start a Web Design and Consultancy business during school.
Our Future Leaders Program is NSW’s premier Career & Leadership program that invests in and supports young leaders in Years 10-12 at high school. The program provides mentoring, rigorous peer learning, skills development, work experience and national connections so young people can effectively answer the big question of “What am I going to do with my life when I finish school?” and develop the key skills they need to make an impact in their communities.
We recently spoke with David about his goals for the future, how he’s pursuing these goals during Year 12 and much more!
When you finish school, what do you want to do?
I’d love to begin a Computer Science/IT/Business Degree at University, as well as find time to create new projects, meet new people and work with new organisations.
What is your long-term ‘dream big’ goal?
I’d love to make innovation more accessible, and to change the way people not only create applications but build and view systems in their personal lives, creative endeavours and workplaces.
What has inspired you to pursue this goal?
Both my father and grandfather, who have pursued Information Technology, as well as learning IT myself and witnessing the frustration of both friends, family and members of my community when technology is overly complicated and inaccessible.
What subjects are you currently taking for your HSC?
Advanced and Extension English, Mathematics, Software Design & Development, Modern and Extension History, Music 2 and Extension Music.Â
What is the biggest challenge you’re experiencing at school at the moment?
Staying motivated and forging a coherent sense of who I am and what I want to achieve has been my biggest challenge.
In order to overcome this challenge, I’ve been making sure to be compassionate to myself and others, as well as actively addressing my workload and obligations.
What is the #1 study tip you’d recommend to other students to implement?
Create an environment free of distraction, and have a distinct set of goals which you wish to derive from your study time.
Even when confronted with an environment with more distraction than usual, a distinct set of goals will assist you with determining whether your current activity is actually moving you closer to your goals.
What extracurricular activities are you currently involved in?
I’m currently involved in my School Representative Council and Prefect Team, of which I occupy the position of School Captain. I also participate in the youth advisory body for my local council, working with a team of other youth to assist our council in creating necessary and accessible events and programs.
What is the extracurricular activity or project you’ve engaged with that you are the most proud of?
My experience running a Web Design and Consultancy business, Expanse Media, with my friend, Ethan is what I am most proud of. We’ve worked with a variety of clients to create innovative solutions to their problems.
On one occasion, I assisted in a violence against women awareness campaign through Facebook Advertising, Videography and Copywriting, which was a very rewarding experience in which I got to meet new people and talk to them about issues that affect my family and community.
Where do you work and what has your biggest learning from working been?
I currently work at my own business, Expanse Media.Â
My biggest learning from working has been the necessity of adaptability to new environments and situations. By being adaptable, one can leverage new technology, innovations and talent.
What is your favourite hobby?
I love to research, learn new things, as well as designing and building stuff. I thoroughly enjoy starting from square one and completing a project, however, I definitely need more discipline to keep up the follow-through.
What is a quote that inspires you?
“Ripeness is all.” – Shakespeare
What does it mean to you to be a future leader?
It means being willing to tackle new challenges and empower others.
About Art of Smart and the Future Leaders Program
Art of Smart is a multi-award winning provider of world-class HSC tutoring and inspirational mentoring. Recognising that excelling at school takes more than a focus on the syllabus, over the last 8 years, we have built a reputation for our holistic approach to helping students develop both strong academic foundations and critical study, exam and life skills.
Based on 8+ years of research we’ve conducted with Australia’s top students, we’ve helped over 4,000 students on average achieve mark improvements of 19.41% and help students successfully transition from school to rewarding and challenging studies & careers.
