Stephanie Raike

Why did you get involved with NYW and why is it important to you?
I came across the role about a week before I was due to go overseas.  I took one look, and decided to give it a go.  I suppose it appealed to me because it’s something I genuinely care about.  Young people are capable of achieving amazing things, and NYW is important because it’s a chance to show everyone, including young people, that the future is bright because we’ll be there to lead the way.

Why should young people get involved in NYW and how can they get involved?
You wouldn’t not rock up to your own birthday party. So why wouldn’t you get involved in a celebration of young people?!  This is a week that’s all about us, our talents, ideas, opinions, achievements and dreams.  All you need to do is find out what is happening in your local area by jumping on youthweek.com – then following the links to the events page.

What is it like to be a Young Member?
Surreal?  This whole thing is so far removed from my usual reality that it's still hard to comprehend sometimes.  It’s such an experience being involved though; I’m learning so much and meeting so many people.

If you could plan any event for NYW, what would it be and why?
Some kind of festival showcasing local young talent, from sports to arts and everything in between, all while highlighting the issues facing young people today.

What’s your hidden talent?
Singstar! Well, my family and friends would most likely disagree.  I don’t do too badly at Guitar Hero either.  I can cook pretty well, which surprises some people.  I also have a good memory!

Who or what have you been inspired by recently?
Amy Hanson, the founder of the Small Steps Project.  She saw something that she couldn’t believe was allowed to happen, and decided to do something about it.  An idea turned into a project, then into a humanitarian organisation reaching several countries. 

If you were an animal, which would you be and why?
A sloth! Not really, I don’t know how hanging upside down, doing nothing all day, could be interesting.  I’d be a shark – but a not a man-eating one, like a White Tip or Black Tip Reef Shark.  I’d get to spend my life in the ocean.

If you could travel back in time and meet yourself as a 12 year old, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t let Mum buy you the regulation school slacks.  It would have been worth the detention to wear anything but those hideous things.

If you had only $10 left, what would you spend it on and why?
A slurpee and red licorice.  I’d be able to come up with a plan of what I would do next as long as I had those two things.

How can the Youth of today be (more) active in their communities?
Find something you're interested in, whether it’s a sport, volunteering, art, events, whatever it is that tickles your fancy – go looking for it!  Ask your local youth resource centre, local council, school, community centre, library, or even google it! And if you can’t track it down, do something about it.  Start it yourself!  There are so many ways to participate in your community, you just have to get out there and hold nothing back.