What are the Trailblazer Awards?
The Trailblazer Awards celebrates Year 11 and Year 12 students beyond their ATAR, recognising those who have overcome personal challenges and used their final year of school to positively impact their community.
Our Trailblazers will have the opportunity to build their personal brand and profile as a future leader, learn how to successfully apply for Early Entry, Scholarships, Co-Op, and Cadetships Opportunities, and so much more!
Find out how Bushra navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Bushra Issak
Category: Business & Entrepreneurship
School: Australian International Islamic College
State: QLD
Career Aspiration: Merging technology and healthcare
Achievements
- Received multiple Service and Character awards at school for volunteering within the Brisbane floods, homeless shelter runs, and fundraisers for Turkey (collective total Turkey fundraiser – $11,000).
- Created a social media marketing business at the age of 15, generating sales of $10,000 in the first year, inspiring other GEN Z entrepreneurs to pursue their own businesses.
- Volunteered for 70 hours in a single year, actively contributing to various community initiatives.
- Demonstrated leadership as a student council member in grades 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, advocating for uniform changes, environmental concerns, and organising beach clean-ups.
- Recognised with the Women in STEM Participation Award from QUT and participated in the BIOTech Future Research Project, where she co-created an innovative bio-engineering educational and kinetic chip.
What makes Bushra a Trailblazer?
Bushra has harnessed her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community service to make a profound impact on her surroundings. At the young age of 15, Bushra established her own social media marketing business, driven by gen Z innovation. Within the first year, her business achieved impressive sales of $10,000, demonstrating her exceptional talent for entrepreneurship. Beyond her own success, Bushra’s achievements have inspired and nurtured other gen Z entrepreneurs, creating a supportive environment for aspiring business owners.
Bushra’s commitment to making a positive difference extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. She has actively engaged in numerous volunteer activities, including assisting during the Brisbane floods, participating in homeless shelter runs, and organising fundraisers for Turkey. Her selfless efforts have garnered recognition, with her collective fundraising for Turkey reaching an impressive total of $11,000.
As a student council member, Bushra has consistently displayed exemplary leadership skills. Through ballot voting, she earned her position in grades 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, advocating for important causes and spearheading impactful initiatives. Her dedication to environmental concerns led to collaborative efforts with board members, resulting in the implementation of eco-friendly innovations within her school. Additionally, Bushra actively gave back to the community through beach clean-ups, showcasing her commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Bushra’s achievements in the field of STEM are noteworthy. She was honoured with the Women in STEM Participation Award from QUT, recognising her contributions and dedication to STEM education. Furthermore, her involvement in the BIOTech Future Research Project exemplifies her innovative mindset. Together with her team, Bushra conceptualised a bio-engineering educational and kinetic chip, highlighting her ability to think beyond conventional boundaries.
One of Bushra’s greatest strengths is her mastery of soft skills, particularly communication. Despite initially identifying as introverted and antisocial, she realised the importance of effective communication in achieving significant accomplishments and supporting others. By embracing collaborative endeavours, engaging in discussions, and considering various perspectives, she has enhanced her projects and gained deeper insights into the needs of her clients and the individuals she supports through volunteering.
Despite her numerous achievements, Bushra faces the challenge of navigating through her final year of high school while shouldering the weight of anxious expectations. As a first-generation immigrant, she is determined to pave the way for future success, striving to secure a prosperous future for herself and inspire others to overcome similar barriers.
With her passion for merging technology and healthcare, Bushra aims to make a lasting impact in these fields. Her experiences in STEM projects, volunteering, and entrepreneurial endeavours have cultivated a diverse skill set and a unique perspective. By fusing her technological expertise with her commitment to improving healthcare, Bushra has the potential to revolutionise the industry and address pressing societal challenges.
Bushra Issak’s entrepreneurial drive, commitment to community service, and ability to embrace collaboration make her a true Trailblazer. Her success in business and dedication to social impact set her apart as an inspiration for gen Z entrepreneurs. With her resilience, innovative mindset, and exceptional communication skills, Bushra is poised to create a significant impact on the world. As she continues on her path of growth and achievement, Bushra rightfully earns her place among our Top 50 Trailblazers!
The Top 50 Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazer Awards
The Trailblazer Awards aim to identify and celebrate students who use their final years of school to invest holistically in the skills and experiences that will maximise their own future opportunities and make a contribution to the future of our society.
Our winners for the Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazer Awards have demonstrated initiative in volunteering for their school or community, have participated in co-curricular activities, and have held leadership positions within their schools.
Learn more about who placed in the Top 50 Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazers here!
About Art of Smart Education
At Art of Smart Education, we’re an award-winning provider of holistic tutoring and mentoring for students in years K-12. Our mission is to help students answer the difficult question, “What am I going to do with my life when I finish school, and how do I get there?”
We understand that true success involves mastering study, career and leadership skills while maintaining your wellbeing, not just excelling in academics and as a result, over the last decade, we’ve supported over 10,000 students to achieve their best and maximise their options for life after school.
Each year over one million young Australians, parents, and teachers access our guides, videos and resources to navigate the journey through high school.
