National Youth Leadership Council members meet Dr Jane before her public lecture: Becky Goodwin, Dr Jane (holding the real Mr H), Maya Yaffe and Mary Pilkinton (holding a copy of Mr H!)
On May 8, the Roots and Shoots team were lucky enough to hear from Dr Jane at her ‘Rewind the Future’ event at the ICC. After being greeted with the traditional chimpanzee greeting, Dr Jane took the audience on a journey of her life so far and how she became the young scientist that now inspires so many. She spoke of bringing a pile of worms in mud to bed with her as a child, her ever supportive mother and not being able to afford a university education, as well as the many challenges that she faced along the way. We were all inspired by Jane’s story – a story that shows the power of a determined, resilient and compassionate mind.
Thanks to all the FANTASTIC NYLC and R & S crew for all your hard work – we couldn’t do it without you!
Jane also spoke of tackling climate change – the communities she has seen affected by it, not eating meat and the sentience of those creatures, zoos, invasive species, and even death – which she regarded as her ‘next big adventure’.
Jane said that in a world where there seems to be little hope, we must always draw inspiration from these two things – young people, and the indomitable human spirit. If we all work together, we really can make change happen.
Big thanks to Dr Jane and the NYLC and R & S crew for making this event possible.
Becky Goodwin | NYLC NSW
JGIA acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.