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Graduate Snapshots
Shirley was considered to be a successful Grade 12 student with her career path already mapped out, when she applied for YET.
Shirley recognised that to achieve her goals she needed to develop the strength to overcome lifestyle issues and prepare for the discipline of work and study. During the Kurrajong Phase, these goals were recorded in Shirley's Personal Action Plan.
After Graduation, Shirley returned to complete her studies and wrote in her school magazine of her experience with YET. In the story Shirley wrote how she faced her feeling of "just wanting to give in and go home" and referred to "a sense of triumph and accomplishment" at the end of the Wilderness Experience.
As a graduate of YET, Shirley writes of "the confidence and motivation I have gained" and the value to her of the weekly phone call from her Off-Sider - helping to keep her on track in with her goals.
Peter was seeking a sense of direction, a boost to his self-esteem and a lot of support to get back on track when he applied for YET. Peters father said that acceptance onto our Programme had regenerated an enthusiasm to do more with his life.
Peter, in striving to work through challenging personal issues, described it as "finding it hard to prepare to come back into the real world and feeling indecisive about how to get there. I want to do so much but I can't do it all at once".
Walking and working in the bush, Peter wrote "it was the first time in 3 years I have been myself". Since graduating from the Programme, Peter has remained very determined to continue moving forwards - following his main action plan goal of finding a job.
Some insights shared from YET Graduates, reflecting back …..
“When I was first offered to go on the YET Programme, I hated the thought of it, (particularly since my parents liked the idea), but it turned out to be a turning point in my life and within myself. I had been feeling very confused, alone and just felt that there wasn’t much to care about or live for. I cared nothing for myself, immersing myself in alcohol and drugs, anything to make me feel better about being me. I had lost all my dreams, all I could see was the pain I was in from other aspects of my life.
At first I was a little nervous, however YET turned out to be the highlight of my life. The start of the camp was a little tough and I just wanted to give up and go home. However by the end of the first day our group had a team spirit and supported each other through climbing the mountains and finding our way to camp.
We bonded really closely by encouraging and learning about each other and ourselves. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. It taught me perseverance and helped me make a few big decisions in my life. I gained confidence, motivation, goals to aim for.
The YET Programme was the most rewarding thing I have ever participated in.
I also realised one of life’s most important lessons …
……once you have a dream, never let it go."
“I feel so lucky to have been given this experience in my final year at school. It gave me the chance to clarify my goals, dreams and aims for the coming years. The YET camp is not just another camp. It is hard and you get your hands dirty and meet people less fortunate than yourself. But you do it and you learn so much more about yourself and can be proud of what you accomplished. It really is worth it.”
“I learnt more about myself than I would have thought possible. I was able to see my strengths and weaknesses. I think this has helped me define my career choice. I would unreservedly recommend the YET Programme to any young person, the experience is unlike any other that most will encounter, and the inner strength many of the participants develop during incredibly difficult times is remarkable.”
“I was part of a 1997 Programme. I came from a background of substance abuse, then after YET I went on to finish 2 months of Rehab, then year 11 and have just been accepted into Tafe. My life is once again starting to work out for the better. I have never forgotten my experience with you guys, I don’t think I ever will, so thank you.”
