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 Gouri navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Gouri Baburaj
Category: Arts & Music
School: Illawarra Christian School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Medicine – Psychiatry
Achievements
- Passed the Vocal Star auditions and worked with multiple influencers and producers to enhance performance techniques.
- Provided 6-7 performances for each community event, raising approximately $11,000 for disability trusts, NDIS providers, and charity organisations like Ozindcare.
- Demonstrated strong teamwork skills during these performances, enhancing interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, active listening, and leadership qualities.
- Overcame severe symptoms of acute pancreatitis, attending multiple clinical examinations, consultations, and hospitalisations during Year 11 and 12.
- Engaged in dancing, singing, and worked as a Dementia-Specialised Care Worker at HammondCare.
- Participated in the UOW Summer Masterclass – Health.
What makes Gouri a Trailblazer?
Gouri has emerged as a true trailblazer in the field of Arts & Music. With a deep passion for performing and serving the community, Gouri has made a significant impact through her artistic endeavours.
Having successfully passed the Vocal Star auditions, Gouri had the opportunity to collaborate with various influencers and producers, allowing her to refine her performance techniques. This experience greatly influenced her ability to serve the community through her artistic talents.
Gouri’s commitment to community service is truly commendable. Through her performances at charity and community events, she has contributed to raising approximately $11,000 for important causes such as disability trusts, NDIS providers, and charitable organisations like Ozindcare. With 6-7 performances for each event, Gouri has showcased her dedication and ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Furthermore, Gouri’s involvement in these performances has honed her teamwork skills, reinforcing her interpersonal abilities. Through collaboration with her team, she has developed essential qualities such as effective communication, negotiation skills, active listening, and leadership capabilities. These skills will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavours.
Despite facing significant challenges during Year 11 and 12, including dealing with health issues, Gouri has demonstrated resilience and determination. She persevered through multiple clinical examinations, consultations, and hospitalisations, showing her commitment to her education and artistic pursuits.
Gouri’s aspiration to pursue a career in medicine, specifically in psychiatry, is a testament to her empathy and desire to help others. Her experiences as a Dementia-Specialised Care Worker at HammondCare and her participation in the UOW Summer Masterclass – Health have further broadened her understanding of healthcare and strengthened her commitment to this path.
With her diverse skill set, which includes dancing, singing, and her dedication to community service, Gouri stands out as a remarkable trailblazer. Her ability to combine her artistic talents with her passion for serving others is truly inspiring. Gouri’s resilience, commitment, and pursuit of a career in medicine make her an exceptional role model for others. As she continues to pursue her dreams, Gouri 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.
