By JOLENE OGLE
At just 20-years-old, Chelsea Wallis has landed the opportunity to be an Oxfam Australia Ambassador, while studying six courses at university, belonging to numerous community groups, and still getting her 10 hours sleep every night.
Chelsea said it is a pure love of learning that motivates her to achieve so much in such a short time.
“In my studies, I’ve always been driven by a sincere love of learning,” she said.
“I keep motivated by engaging in a wide variety of causes I’m passionate about.
“I try hard to balance university, community work and down time – I still need at least ten hours of sleep every night!”
Currently studying law at the University of the Sunshine Coast, plus French and politics through distance education at the University of New England, Chelsea said she still isn’t sure what she wants to be when she is older.
“I’m not 100 per cent certain (what I want to do),” she said.
“I plan to continue graduate study for another few years at least.
“My main options then are either law practice or foreign affairs, because I have a strong interest in policy.
“I’m also considering academia – I’m lucky to have had experience tutoring over the past few years and it has sparked in me a love of teaching.”
Of all her achievements, Chelsea said she is most proud of travelling across the world to fulfil a childhood dream of studying at Oxford University.
“I was honoured to have the opportunity to attend the Oxford University International Summer School in History, Politics and Society last year,” she said.
“It had been my dream to study there since I was in primary school, and the program was an extraordinary experience.”
For someone so busy, Chelsea said she needs her downtime and finds relaxation in classical piano and flute, along with dance, her cats, and her family, of course.
“Instead of saving for a car, I bought a grand piano when I graduated from my first university degree – it’s a beautiful 50-year-old Bechstein,” she said.
Chelsea, who lives in Noosa, will now embark on a 12 month ambassadorship with Oxfam that will see her run campaigns for issues such as indigenous health access, safe labour conditions, and gender equality.
“I’ll also be searching for opportunities to come and speak to students at local schools about the incredible humanitarian work Oxfam does both locally and internationally,” she said.
For anyone wanting to chase their dreams, Chelsea said it’s all about time management and connecting with successful people.
“You can accomplish so much more than you might expect if you plan your time well and have an ethos of hard work,” she said.
“I also love searching for new opportunities to connect with people who are achieving inspiring things – it’s an endless source of motivation.”
Youth Positive is a Noosa Today campaign searching for young people doing amazing things. Youth Positive want to celebrate and showcase people who have a love for life or are chasing their dreams. If you know any Youth Positive candidates, Noosa Today would love to hear from you by email at newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au.
