Meet Mikayla Williams, the Happywhenfit Female Health Ambassador for 2019
Mikayla is an enthusiastic and bright 14 year old with a passion for sports and anything active and outdoors! She attends Australind Senior High School and is part of the Excel-sports and leadership program. When Mikayla isn’t playing netball or on the beach she enjoys mountain biking, hanging out with friends, reading and art.
She is a patrolling member of the Binningup surf life saving club and loves being apart of the youth program where she assists the nippers on the beach. Mikayla is also part of the U/16’s Eaton Boomers netball team and plays social netball with friends.
Her positive and mature attitude to all that she applies herself to makes her an outstanding role model for other young people her age. She is passionate about encouraging youth to be involved in community activities including sports and clubs, which is one of her main goals as youth ambassador. Mikayla wants to inspire young people to adopt the ‘have-a-go’ attitude. “There is something out there for all of us to keep us active and healthy. You just have to keep trying different things until you find what it is you enjoy”.
In this week’s blog, Mikayla shares with us the importance of healthy role models and mentors for youth and how as the Youth Health Ambassador, she hopes to continue to encourage other young people to find their version of health by being fearless and having a go at anything.
What does being a positive and healthy role model mean to you?
Being able to lead by example.
Why do you think it’s so important that young people have positive role models and mentors?
Young people have a lot going on - it’s really important to have mentors/role models there to give you guidance along the way.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing young people today that affect their health and well-being?
Bullying, mental health and the cost involved with many sporting activities.
Mikayla is fortunate enough to participate in many out of school sports and activities to keep her physically and mentally active. She recognises that for a lot of families, cost can be a barrier to preventing these opportunities.
What are some things in school or community environments that you think are needed to support these challenges (imagine that time and money were not an issue)?
Ability for teens to always be able to access appropriate help at school and in the community. It would be awesome if kids could try any activity/sport and not have to worry about the cost to their parents.
Who is a positive role model or mentor you look up to and why?
My Aunties - they are both so different and they are both involved in different sporting activities. But they really give everything a go and are absolutely giving it their best go. They are so positive and encourage myself and everyone around them.
If each young person was given a positive mentor to guide them and support them through high school, what impact do you think that could have on their health and well-being as a future adult?
I think it would have a really wonderful impact on young people. I think it would be a really positive influence and would encourage young people to also become mentors in the future.
What kind of positive behaviours do you want to model for other young people as the youth health ambassador?
Involvement in sporting and community groups; being respectful of other people’s choices; and encouraging teens to give new things a go!
Mikayla with her friends at the Youth Health Awards Presentation.
If you had one positive message for young people, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to give anything a go!
Thankyou so much Mikayla for sharing your responses with us and giving a voice to other young people your age. I am so proud to have such a positive, kind and respectful young lady as the Happywhenfit Female Youth Health Ambassador for 2019! At only 14, you are an example to others of the world of opportunities that can be opened to you when you apply yourself courageously to whatever you do and are prepared to give anything a go. The world truly is your oyster with the right mindset and attitude and I have no doubt that you have an incredible future ahead of you!
Danae
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