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 Sufiya navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Sufiya Wilson
Category: Sport & Elite Competitions
School: Al Siraat College
State: VIC
Career Aspiration: Dentistry at Melbourne University
Achievements
- Australian national champion for taekwondo in 2017 and 2018 (gold medalist), 2020 and 2022 (bronze medalist), and 2023 (silver medalist).
- Competing to make the Australian combat team for the upcoming Olympics and aiming to compete in the Korea Open under 17s category.
- House captain for the whole school for sports, demonstrating leadership in sports activities.
- Breaking stereotypes by being a Muslim girl who excels in a physical activity traditionally associated with boys.
What makes Sufiya a Trailblazer?
Sufiya is an exceptional young athlete who has made a significant impact in the world of taekwondo. As an Australian national champion in taekwondo, she has consistently showcased her skills and determination, earning gold, bronze, and silver medals in various competitions. Sufiya’s passion for the sport drives her to strive for excellence and compete at the highest level.
One aspect that sets Sufiya apart is her commitment to breaking stereotypes. As a Muslim girl, she wears the scarf and challenges societal expectations by excelling in taekwondo, which is often considered a “boy’s sport.” By fearlessly pursuing her passion, Sufiya serves as an inspiration to other Muslim girls, encouraging them to participate in physical activities and pursue their dreams, regardless of societal judgement.
Sufiya’s journey to success has required dedication and perseverance. Balancing her rigorous training schedule of 8 hours a week with school and a part-time job demonstrates her ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritise her goals. Through her accomplishments and unwavering determination, Sufiya showcases the importance of resilience and hard work in achieving one’s dreams.
As a respected member of her school community, Sufiya has been chosen as the house captain for sports. This role not only recognises her talent and dedication but also highlights her positive influence on others. Teachers and peers admire Sufiya’s commitment to attending school’s fundraising events and extracurricular activities, demonstrating her involvement and contribution to the school community.
Looking ahead, Sufiya’s ultimate goal is to represent Australia in the Olympics. With her sights set on international competitions in Korea and Mexico, she aims to impress the Australian team selectors and secure a place in the upcoming Olympic Games. Sufiya’s training at an elite taekwondo club, under the guidance of Olympic coaches Stacey Hymer and Ryan, has honed her skills and equipped her with the expertise needed to succeed at the highest level.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Sufiya is also an exceptional student with aspirations in the field of dentistry. She plans to attend Melbourne University to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist. Sufiya’s drive, discipline, and dedication, evident in her athletic pursuits, will undoubtedly contribute to her success in academia as well.
Sufiya’s journey to becoming a focused and determined athlete is truly inspiring. Her resilience and ability to overcome challenges have propelled her towards her goals and have silenced those who doubted her abilities. By embracing her passion for taekwondo and excelling in the sport, Sufiya serves as a role model for young athletes, especially Muslim girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
With her exceptional skills, dedication, and the desire to challenge societal norms, Sufiya rightly 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.
