Youth mentor helps school-leavers find their way It’s the time of year when, for many school-leavers, the road ahead can seem uncertain. Until now, days have been in a state of flow, the mechanism of timetables moving students from one classroom to another. But when the familiarity of school ends, what’s the next step? The pressure of future planning beyond school life is a real anxiety affecting young people in our community, and school departure has a distinct impact on the notion of self-identity. Rick Boland, youth mentor and recent TEDx Mornington finalist, suggests it’s an anxiety
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that can either be self-propelled or nudged along by well-intentioned adults. Teens often restrict themselves from discovering their true passion by creating mental roadblocks, while at other times their path to potential is cut off by gatekeepers. Some school-leavers may already feel sure of their future identity – planning to attend university or join the workforce – but, as Rick suggests, there is no set path to follow, and the post-school journey takes many forms, sometimes changing along the way. Widely regarded as an expert in his field, Rick regularly collaborates with community services across the Peninsula and runs his own mentorship initiative, MANA Youth Project, now entering its ninth year. Realising popular culture as a great medium to reach young people, his program includes some elements of gamification, containing a small number of online
challenges representative of those faced in real life. As an immersive platform to engage teens, it’s a great strategy. However, Rick encourages young people to be selective about seeking guidance online to resist the seduction of internet influencers, engaging instead with professional mentors in person. If teens currently feel in a state of limbo and not yet sure of future plans, Rick recommends they use this time to create their own place of power in the community: look out for wonder; remember how it feels to be curious; join social groups and volunteering activities. Networking often brings unimagined opportunities and can result in a future you never dared to dream of. For more information, visit www.manayouthproject.com DANIELLE DAVEY mornington PENINSULA Magazine
