Wednesday 25 March 2009
Our guest speaker was Bill Allen who spoke about “A Brief History of Sydney Ferries and the Our guest speakers were Maria and Vanessa who spoke to us about their attendance at RYLA. Maria and Vanessa were introduced by Peter Van der Sleesen.
Both of our guest speakers had graduated from the Australian Catholic University with a
Bachelor of Exercise Science degree. They are both currently studying for a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Graduate Certificate of Religious Education.
Maria advised us of some of the information she had included in her application form. Maria has a part time job as Sweet Pea the clown and performs at parties, weddings and for children’s charities. Maria had also travelled to the USA to assist at a summer camp for children with emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties.
Vanessa’s application set out details of the year she had spent as a volunteer working with the Catholic Church in its youth ministry. During that year she travelled around various universities promoting faith on campus. She also had a leadership role in relation to the World Youth Day. Following on from this she travelled to the Vatican in December 2008 to deliver an icon (which was university specific) and met with the Pope and received a papal blessing.
The speakers then described their experiences at the RYLA week. In general they found the opportunity to interact with the sixty participants very beneficial and the whole experience life changing.
Upon arrival each attendee is allocated to a group which becomes their support network. Some attendees with disabilities were able to achieve things well beyond their expectations with the support of their group.
During the week both speakers formed bonds and relationships with other participants which they believe will continue well into the future.
Maria and Vanessa also found the presentations on topics such as ‘money matters’ and ‘public speaking’ very informative.
Both speakers were very positive and enthusiastic in reporting to members on their RYLA experience and in conclusion thanked the club for sponsoring them. Maria and Vanessa were thanked by Bradley Ayres.