Charlotte Chilton, one of Ashburton Christian School’s student leaders this year, did an eight-day Future Leaders Academy course in Fiji last year.
The course give her the confidence to apply for the school leadership position.
She now looks forward to using the skills from the course to further develop unity in her school.
Charlotte, from Ashburton, who had travelled overseas with her family on holiday was on her first expedition on her own.
Her trip was an opportunity to join 40 other young people from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji to develop and build on her leadership experience.
While there were many highlights on the course Charlotte said the life long friends made and the cultural experience were the biggest highlights.
‘‘I have made life long friends from the trip and got to experience the Fiji in a cultural way rather than holiday,‘‘ she said
A number of highlights occurred during her trip.
‘‘I enjoyed the coral planting, leaning how the local ecosystem works and how we can make a huge difference just by planting coral,’’ Charlotte said.
On a hike up Mt Batilamu, Charlotte was able to put into practice the leadership skills she was learning as she lead people with different capabilities and personality types.
The course included giving back to the local community. Their volunteering saw them putting up walls and painting them at the community hall.
‘‘Seeing how our actions can positively impact other communities in amazing ways was a highlight,’’ Charlotte said.
The course included researching traditional monuments and learning about the local history and culture.
Included in Charlotte’s suitcase were pairs of rugby boots which were gifted to a local rugby club.
‘‘In taking the boots and donating them I learnt what we take for granted. The locals were so grateful and appreciative of our actions,’’ Charlotte said.
There were moments from the trip that made Charlotte laugh including a stop in one of the villages where the local children piled into their van and started have fun while they were still in it.
Among the skills the Charlotte developed was the ability to put boundaries in place in group situations and how to lead people with strong personalities.
Her Fijian experience had lead her to more be more patient with others.
‘‘I have also learnt that in a team situation the challenge is not finished until everyone in your team member has completed it,’’ she said
Charlotte is grateful to the Braided Rivers Community Trust, Ashburton Pakeke Lions, Zonta Ashburton whose sponsorship enabled her to undertake a once in a lifetime experience.
