TENISON Woods College year 10 student Emily Jennings will represent Australia as a cultural ambassador when she travels to Shanghai for the International Youth Friendship Camp next month.
Selected as one of only five students to represent Australia during the 10-day cultural exchange, Emily will experience Chinese culture and interact with a diverse group of young people representing different nationalities and ethnicities.
Hosted by the Australia China Friendship Society, the annual International Youth Friendship Camp is held every July to deepen mutual understanding and exchange between young people.
“I was nominated by my school in 2016 to participate in the Chinese Exchange Program and I made it to the final five, but unfortunately I missed out as I was only 14 and the guidelines stated you must be 15,” Emily said.
“I was invited to reapply in 2017 and the application process was quite involved.”
Emily was required to submit a detailed reference from her school and a resume meeting strict criteria.
“My school had a firm belief I will respect and identify the particular aims and values of the organisation and had no hesitation recommending me, which I’m extremely grateful for,” Emily said.
“I have performed above the Australian Curriculum achievement standards in my year levels and I enjoy learning Chinese and received an A on my 2015/16 report card.
“I had to include extracurricular activities I have been involved in, including netball, basketball, swimming carnivals and athletics.”
A keen swimmer, Emily has successfully completed Surf and Survive Swimming Level 10, her Bronze Medallion and a number of rescue courses.
As team captain for Tantanoola during her Under 13 netball season, Emily captained her team to finals and was awarded the coaches Most Valuable Player trophy.
“I studied piano for seven years which enabled me to meet the musical criteria and I have undertaken plenty of voluntary work in the community which was also required,” she said.
Emily said her parents had been “extremely supportive” and encouraged her to pursue the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I consider it a huge honour as this is the first time there has been a successful applicant representing my school or the South East or Limestone Coast region,” Emily said.
“I am passionate about studying Chinese and I am studying the language this year despite it becoming intense and being offered only as an elective in Year 10.”
Emily said she valued the chance to demonstrate leadership and help others grow, learn and succeed.
“I’m eager to make a positive contribution at the Shanghai International Youth Friendship Camp,” she said.
“As I will represent the Australia China Friendship Society I’m keen to adapt to the different cultural and culinary experiences.
“My goal is to continue to expand my knowledge and build on my education as I enjoy learning Chinese and its culture – the way people in China and Australia think is different and it sometimes causes misunderstanding, which is why I chose to apply to become a cultural ambassador.”
