Emily Olive: I would love to make everything equal— no rich, no poor, no religion, no reasons for war
By Tash Jayasinghe
Emily Olive is very passionate and opinionated about poverty and is doing something about it. It's hard to believe that she's a 15-year-old from Shellharbour in NSW. It's even harder to comprehend that she's been volunteering since she was 12 and plans to continue for as long as her body will let her.
"It was back in Year 8 that I felt myself slipping through the cracks and changing drastically. I thought that volunteering would be a good pathway and it was," Emily said. "It's a great feeling know that I am not living a selfish life, that I'm helping to make the lives of other people better."
Volunteering has landed her in some extraordinary scenarios for someone swimming in the fountain of youth. Emily, along with six classmates, travelled to Sydney's Red Cross House and threw a Christmas party for the residential refugee families. "Seeing kids my age and older experiencing their first real Christmas, smiling even though they have put up with so much throughout their lives … I know it might sound a cliché but knowing you put those smiles on the faces of people who have battled their whole lives is the best feeling you can get."
What about her studies during all this volunteering? "At times it was difficult to catch up, but it all worked well. I always have support from my family and friends so, if I miss out on anything, [they] help me out." As well as the usual study schedule, Emily participates in YMCA Youth Parliament and, on odd days, she works as a receptionist for a local doctor. What does she do when she needs to wind down? "My mum has taught me how to knit, which has been an experience, I must say."
This year, Emily will be completing Year 10 at high school. Her dream job is to be the next David Attenborough, the well-known zoologist filmmaker. "I'd love to do some safari photography … that's my biggest dream, to get right up to the big cats and elephants." Volunteering is embedded in her African safari plans. She wants to help poverty-stricken families while she's there.
Emily has high hopes for the world. "I'm a hippy at heart and I would love to make everything equal—no rich, no poor, no religion, no reasons for war."
Emily attributes all of her volunteer work to Kellie Marsh who is a Diocesan Youth worker for the St Vincent De Paul Society. "Most of the things I do are because she asked me if I wanted to be involved. [Kellie] runs most of the volunteering aspects of school life and she has always supported and encouraged me.
"Volunteering is so broad and different. [It's] usually a new experience every time I do it."
Helping people going through a hard time always takes its toll on people who give their time to those that need it and Emily is no exception to the rule. "It's a challenge to put on a brave face for these people [especially the refugee families at Christmas]. Sometimes you really just want to break down in tears and hug them."
Emily respects the RSPCA and Red Cross "because everything they do is so important. They are selfless [organisations] and they work from the bottom of their hearts. These are great people that should be given more recognition than they get."
Her advice for potential volunteers is: "Don't let what others think stop you from doing what you want. If you have it in your heart to help others in need, then go for it and don't hesitate. But also, leave some time for you. Don't overload your plate or you will find yourself not wanting to do it anymore.
"Find something you feel passionate about. It will make you want to do it more." Emily should know—for someone who wants to take pictures of African tigers and elephants, she's studying Year 10 photography.
The Centre
for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au