Like-minded people needed to help Priyanka Girish help our youth
Being part of St John has proven to be a life changing experience for former Teen Queen Priyanka Grish of North Shore.
Priyanka, who was the People’s Choice Miss Teen New Zealand two years ago, says she loves the opportunities that come her way for being part of the organization.
“The best part of being involved with St John is that it persuades me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to strive for excellence,” says Priyanka, who is the Takapuna St John Youth Division leader.
St John Youth is a programme popular with the Indian youngsters age 6-18 in New Zealand, giving them good citizenship skills and first aid training.
However, there is a need for more leaders like Priyanka to fill volunteer leadership roles.
As a youth Leader in the fun and dynamic programme, Priyanka is making a positive impact on young people's lives while developing her own professional skills.
Here, she talks to LINDA DONALDSON about her experiences:
How long have you been involved with St John?
I have been a Cadet for 3 years; a Youth Leader and Operational Volunteer for 2 years so a total of 5 years.
How did you first become involved in St John?
I started St John as a Youth Member in 2005.
What role(s) do you have in St John?
At the moment I am a Youth Leader at Takapuna Youth Division and an Operational Volunteer.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love the wide range of opportunities that St John has offered me. The experience of meeting celebrities like Silver Fern, All Blacks, Indian Cricket Team, Black Caps is just mind blowing. On top of that I have gained expertise in a variety of subjects while teaching youth member’s basic life skills and most of all I love the adventurous trips and camps. My role is exciting, challenging and rewarding at the same time. I enjoy every little bit about being a youth leader.
What is the best part of being involved with St John?
The best part of being involved with St John is that it persuades me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to strive for excellence.
Describe a typical day in your role at St John.
Not a single day is the same in my role at St John. Every day I have different experiences, learn new things and meet new people. My days are full of surprises so I can’t really describe a typical day.
What is one achievement in life that you are proud of?
One of the achievements that I am especially proud of is becoming a Prefect and Student Board of Trustee at Northcote College because to become one of the head students of a college was a dream come true for a girl who was very shy and insecure. St John had a huge component in making this dream come true.
What is one thing about you most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know that I am People’s Choice Miss Teen India New Zealand 2008
Tell us about your background – where you come from, how you came to be in New Zealand, what other roles you have had, any advice for Indians in New Zealand considering becoming a youth leader or wanting to join as a cadet?
I was born in India, I moved to New Zealand 7 years ago with my parents and two brothers. I never let an opportunity pass me by so I have held many roles. Some of the roles I have had are Prefect, Student Board of Trustee, Librarian, Peer Support Leader, Peer-Tutor, Head Peer-Tutor, Member of Student Council, Member of North Shore Youth Council, St John Corporal, St John Cadet Leader, Member of Raise Up n Represent, Cancer Society Charity Collector, and New World Checkout Operator.
Before starting St John I was very shy, I always kept to myself, I didn’t make many friends, I had a very low self-esteem, I was afraid of taking challenges. I would always avoid going to new places where I didn’t know many people as I was scared of not being able to make any friends.
Right now I see myself as a very different person. I am much more confident in meeting new people, I have learned to trust myself and the people around me, I am not afraid to take challenges anymore. It has taught me to rise above my fears. Being a part of St John has certainly changed my life for good.
For Indians in New Zealand who would like the join, I would just like to say that it is a wonderful experience, the people are amazing, the opportunities are enormous, it’s one of the best things that you could do for yourself and the community and at the end of the day you will be amazed by things you would achieve.
People who have what it takes to become a Youth Programme leader like Priyanka should phone St John toll-free on 0800 ST JOHN (78 5646) or got to www.stjohn.org.nz and complete the expression of interest form.
- Linda Donaldson