Shahara Spratt, from the small town of Coen, is setting her sights on a career in childcare after finishing Year 12 at Columba Catholic College in Charters Towers. Being part of the Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) since Year 7 has been a big part of her journey.
“I feel good, but sad at the same time because I’m graduating,” she says, reflecting on the mixed emotions that come with finishing school. Over the years, her parents have noticed how much she’s grown. “They said I’ve become mature,” Shahara shares proudly.
Shahara says CYLP has played a big role in helping her get to this point. “They helped me a lot,” she explains. “With the Student Support Officers, someone always had my back.”
When faced with challenges, she admits there were moments she wanted to give up, but the program’s support kept her on track. “Because I had them, I got through it,” she said.
Shahara has many great memories from CYLP, especially the “fun and supportive” yearly camp and term events, which allowed her to connect with fellow students.
Shahara with siblings Latisha and Conrad Spratt
Now, Shahara is looking forward to the next phase of her journey. She’ll be studying a Certificate III in Childcare in Townsville, inspired by her love for kids and time spent looking after her nieces back home in Coen. “I like kids,” she said. “In the future, I hope to be working in daycare or even running a daycare centre.”
When asked what advice she’d give to her younger self starting the program in Year 7, Shahara offers these words of wisdom: “Have a nice journey. It will be challenging but fun, and you’ll be getting a great education.”
As Shahara starts on this exciting new chapter, her story embodies CYLP’s vision – to give students, from Cape York, the opportunity to live a life they have reason to value. Our CYLP graduates are prepared for their futures, with ambitious plans laid out, and Shahara is ready to build her future and enter an industry she’s passionate about.
Shahara receiving her graduation certificate from Kirsty Davis and Tamara HuntingThe post Care and Commitment with Shahara Spratt appeared first on Cape York Partnership.