Local teen Sophie Cann is yet to finish secondary school, but her list of life experiences is already miles longer than many adults.  

A Canberra native, Sophie is a Year 11 student about to embark on an international leadership program, set to kickstart her future career.

The 16-year-old will be travelling to the Cook Islands in October for the Future Leaders Academy, a program which helps to develop future leaders throughout the Pacific by connecting communities, enhancing cultural knowledge, experiential development, and adventure.

Sophie is excited to have been accepted into the Academy after applying for other programs without success.

“It means the absolute world to me! It’s quite exciting. I’ve always wanted to learn more about the Cook Islands culture too,” Sophie smiles.

“There’s 50 other students from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands and we’re doing a whole heap of stuff – business skills, environment team building, survival skills, leading a team, cleaning up beaches, children’s programs, and hearing from guest speakers.”

Although enthusiastic to attend the program, the weight of the trip’s price tag on her shoulders has been a major source of worry.

“The trip costs $4,000 for the basic payment to just go on the trip, and it’s an additional $1,000 for passport renewal, insurance, domestic travel tickets, and other bits and pieces,” Sophie says.

Instead of giving up on her dreams, Sophie has been organising fundraisers across Canberra to help pay for some of the fees.

She’s been seen at the Tuggeranong Friday Night Markets and Calwell Night Markets cooking up a barbecue, she has created a GoFundMe page, and is selling tote bags through her business Vintage Night by Sophie, and will host a motivational teen event this Friday 29 July.

‘Thriving Teens: A dedicated night for teens who want to thrive’ is featuring an array of guest speakers ready to motivate Canberra’s teenagers, including Byron Dempsey, Brent Williams, Sean Dondas, and a representative from Fearless Woman.

Sophie says she wanted to make sure her fundraising positively impacted the community, and Thriving Teens is set to provide Canberra teenagers with mentorship opportunities and motivation to pursue their dreams.

“It’s a big passion of mine trying to advocate for teens and help them to be themselves, and also just support teens, because the pandemic has been crazy for everyone,” she says.

“But for teens, online school has been very difficult, and our mental health has been quite bad for a while. I want to be able to provide an opportunity for teens to try and improve their mental health and get out of the house after Covid.”

Sophie is no stranger to adversity and is an inspiration to those around her who see her pick herself up after a hardship, dust herself off, and continue moving forward.  

“I had quite a challenging few years. I’ve got quite a few medical issues that impact me being able to do a lot of things, like work and go to school. I’ve also had some family issues,” she says.

“I think going through the things I’ve been through, I want to be able to help other teens to not feel alone. There is support out there, there are people who want to help them and care about them.

“I want to be that person who’s able to help them and show them there are opportunities out there. I didn’t have that, and I wished I did, so now I want to be able to help others.”

To the Canberra community who have already supported her endeavours, Sophie says she is eternally grateful.

“It means a great deal. I’m so appreciate and thankful. We have such an amazing Canberra community who are so willing to help me out in any way possible. I’ve had multiple donations from the Rotary Club Sundowners and the Freemasons and I’m so thankful,” she smiles.

“There’s so many things the community has done to help me and without the community, I wouldn’t be able to go in the program. There’s no way I’d be able to go.”

While Sophie’s future aspirations are ambitious, her work ethic and drive to make an impact suggest she will become a future local leader.

She has already been a Navy Cadet for three years, is currently undertaking a school-based apprenticeship, and will graduate Year 12 with a Certificate III.

Once Sophie has completed her studies, she says she wants to work with children, advocate for youth and mental health, and work in the social work sector.

The Thriving Teens night is on Friday 29 July 5.30-9pm at the JAGA Swanson Court Coworking Space. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au

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