Take up every opportunity you are offered, the Forster teenager says.

“Never think you are not good enough, ” she says.

The Year 11 Great Lakes senior campus student has returned from the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy full of enthusiasm, confidence and optimism for a bright future

Grabrielle was one of 38 government secondary students from throughout the State invited to participate in the four-day forum, held at Sydney University.

“I found it very empowering,” she said.

“It was a week of female empowerment.”

The leadership program introduced Gabrielle to women leaders in the fields of law and business and equipped her with the ability to further develop leadership skills.

Presentations ranged from public speaking and goal setting for the future to workshops on image and personal values.

And, she was introduced to young, like minded women who were studying similar subjects at high school and who were keen to pursue similar careers.

A self-described introvert, Gabrielle said she was now confident enough to open up and speak her mind.

“I understand now I don’t have to be loud; I can use the skills I have to get my message across.”

Staying at the women’s college, Gabrielle also got a taste of uni life attending some lectures.

While unsure of what university she would like to attend, she is keen to study law and economics.

“I am very passionate about human rights; I would like to be a human rights lawyer.

“I especially want to represent children in detention centres because their voice is not heard.”

Great Lakes College senior college, Tuncurry girls’ adviser, Carla Gillis who also encouraged Gabrielle to apply for the workshop, said the school was ‘very’ proud of Gabrielle.

“She is a great representative of young women in the Great Lakes and an inspiration for all young students,” she said.

During her downtime, Gabrielle plays the euphonium in the school band and plays soccer for the Vikings.