Stradbally girl leads the way
"YES we can" was Barack Obama's election cry and it is echoed in the positive attitude of a Stradbally girl who may herself be a future leader. Stacey Bland has been chosen by For"ige for the second year running to attend the Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Conference, for reasons such as "her innate sense of justice, determination, passion and ability to lead".
Stacey was one of nine Irish delegates last year who were chosen to attend the international conference held in Dublin over the course of a week, which brings together 250 young people with talent for leadership from all over the world to hone their skills.
Module one of the course involved setting a goal, and the young Forige member explained the reasons for her choice.
“My goal was to open a youth cafe in Stradbally, because there is nowhere for young people to go, and no facilities for them.” To date, her goal is well within view, as Stradbally Forige have now bought a premises, and are in the process of raising funds to kit it out, hoping to open by next January.
This year she was delighted to receive an invitation to return to the Forige headquarters, the only delegate from Laois to do so. The timing was perfect too, just one week after she finished her Leaving Cert exams., “It was like a break”, Stacey laughs.
Module two this year comprised workshops on leadership, self awareness, communication skills and how to reach goals. “It was absolutely fantastic” said Stacey. There is a further module next year and she is crossing her fingers. “A very select number are chosen, but hopefully I will get to do it”.
With accountancy college now in her sights, this ambitious student has a bright future ahead, though she is not going down the political route just yet. “I’ve no interest in politics, but there are many great leaders I admire who are not politicians, such as Christina Noble”.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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