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 Nausheen navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Nausheen Ali
Category: Sport & Elite Competitions
School: Minarah College
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Pursuing a career in the legal or political field to break stereotypes and empower marginalised communities.
Achievements
- Active member of the school’s debate club, contributing to multiple victories in regional and national competitions.
- Trained new members and assisted junior students in debate preparation, showcasing leadership and mentoring skills.
- Acted as a defence lawyer in a mock trial, enhancing critical thinking and interpersonal abilities.
- Organised and hosted an ANZAC assembly to commemorate the sacrifices of ANZAC soldiers.
What makes Nausheen a Trailblazer?
Nausheen is a Year 12 student at Minarah College, whose passion for debate and advocacy has made her a remarkable trailblazer in the field of Sport & Elite Competitions. As an active member of her school’s debate club, Nausheen has been instrumental in the club’s success, leading to victories in various regional and national competitions.
In addition to participating in debates, Nausheen has taken on the role of training new club members and guiding junior students in their debate preparation. Her dedication to mentoring others highlights her leadership qualities and her commitment to helping others develop their skills as seasoned and experienced speakers.
Nausheen’s journey in debate expanded further when she acted as a defence lawyer in a mock trial organised by her Year 11 Legal Studies class. This experience allowed her to apply her debating skills to a different context, honing her abilities in critical thinking, persuasive argumentation, and legal reasoning.
What makes Nausheen a Trailblazer goes beyond her accomplishments in debate. She has also overcome personal challenges and transformed herself from a shy student with a speech impediment to a confident and successful debater. Despite the initial hurdles, Nausheen listened to her teachers’ advice to believe in herself and reach for the stars, and through perseverance, she conquered her speech impediment and gained confidence in public speaking.
Furthermore, Nausheen has demonstrated resilience in the face of mental health challenges. These issues and instances of bullying and racism have impacted her schoolwork, attendance, and overall well-being. However, she has sought help and made a conscious effort to reach out, showcasing her determination to overcome obstacles and prioritise her mental health.
Nausheen’s passion for the legal and political system is evident in her career aspirations. She envisions a future where she can break stereotypes and advocate for marginalised communities. Her background as a Muslim Fiji-Indian has exposed her to discrimination and stereotypes, but Nausheen sees these challenges as motivation to achieve her goals and create positive change. With her strong skill set, determination, and commitment to inclusivity, Nausheen aims to excel in the legal or political field.
Apart from her debate involvement, Nausheen serves as the co-captain of her debating team, displaying her leadership abilities and dedication to fostering a supportive and successful team environment. Additionally, she actively participates in her school’s book club, further enriching her intellectual and literary pursuits.
In 2021, Nausheen organised and hosted an ANZAC assembly, providing a platform to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of ANZAC soldiers. This initiative showcases her deep respect for history and her commitment to honouring those who have contributed to a peaceful society.
Nausheen’s commitment to debate, her resilience in overcoming challenges, and her dedication to empowering marginalised communities make her a true Trailblazer. Her ability to excel in competitive arenas while also advocating for others sets her apart as a role model and an agent of change. With her passion, leadership, and unwavering spirit, Nausheen 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.
