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 Manuel navigated his senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Manuel Maya
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: Ulladulla High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Medical field, working as a doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières
Achievements
- Volunteered with Warming Hearts Nepal, raising $1000 and collecting donations of soft toys for children suffering from cancer in Nepal.
- Personally delivered the donations to Warming Hearts Nepal’s CEO in Nepal and distributed the soft toys to children in different cancer wards.
- Raised funds to purchase heaters and baby formula for children in the cancer wards, ensuring their comfort and access to proper nutrition.
- Completed a three-week internship in a hospital in Nepal, shadowing doctors, observing surgeries (C-section, RIRS, open myomectomy), and gaining valuable medical experience.
- Engaged in various extracurricular activities, including participation in the school’s SRC/SEC, membership in environmental group Treading Lightly, involvement in local theatre productions, participation in the Shoalhaven Youth Advisory Council, and contributing to the Sound Journeys Podcast to support the community after the Currowan bushfires.
What makes Manuel a Trailblazer?
Manuel is an exceptional individual who has demonstrated a profound commitment to social impact and change. Through his volunteer work with Warming Hearts Nepal, Manuel raised funds and collected donations of soft toys for children with cancer in Nepal. Going beyond expectations, he personally travelled to Nepal to deliver the donations and had the opportunity to distribute the toys to children in various cancer wards. Additionally, Manuel’s fundraising efforts provided essential resources like heaters and baby formula to ensure the well-being of the children during their treatment.
During his time in Nepal, Manuel also undertook a significant three-week internship in a hospital, where he had the privilege of shadowing doctors, observing surgeries, and participating in doctor-patient consultations. These experiences solidified his passion for the medical field and fuelled his ambition to pursue a career as a doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières, serving underprivileged communities in developing countries.
Manuel’s dedication extends beyond his volunteer work and medical aspirations. He actively engages in various extracurricular activities, displaying his leadership skills and commitment to community improvement. As a member of the school’s SRC/SEC, he advocates for the needs and interests of his peers. Manuel’s involvement in environmental group Treading Lightly showcases his dedication to preserving the environment and representing young people in the fight for a sustainable future. His participation in local theatre productions, membership in the Shoalhaven Youth Advisory Council, and contribution to the Sound Journeys Podcast exemplify his multifaceted interests and commitment to community engagement.
Throughout his journey, Manuel has faced personal challenges and tragedies that have shaped his character and resilience. The loss of a classmate and the passing of a relative and a close friend tested his emotional strength. With the support of his family, friends, and counselling, Manuel learned to overcome these adversities and channel his experiences into a determination to provide assistance and care to those in need.
Manuel’s exceptional efforts in social impact, his dedication to the medical field, and his diverse involvement in community activities make him a true Trailblazer. His selfless contributions to Warming Hearts Nepal, his inspiring internship experience, and his unwavering commitment to helping others showcase his compassion and leadership. With his remarkable resilience, passion for positive change, and ambition to serve as a doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières, Manuel Maya rightfully earns his 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
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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.
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