Just BU

"GIRL.COM.AU WENT BACK TO SCHOOL!"

On Tuesday, March 26, Firbank Grammar School in Melbourne, Victoria hosted the third Just BU Panel, attended by 99 enthusiastic Year 12 students and a panel of five multi-talented, independent business women. These women included our very own Ed. Michelle Palmer as well Toni Joel - Director/Founder of Tonic, Christina Noble - Director of Citrus Web Design and past student of Firbank and world ski champion Kirstie Marshall.

Kirstie, having attained a long list of achievements including being the first Australian to win a Winter Sports world title, now coaches other skiers and presents corporate motivational talks. Reflecting upon her school days, Kirstie admitted that she was once faced with the option of using her skills "for good or for evil", but obviously ended up making the right choice – to do what she was passionate about. It was firmly agreed on by all the panelists that in order to be successful and happy, the first step was to be enthusiastic about a certain area of interest. Kirstie said that when she chose skiing over going to university, unlike many of her friends, it was an unusual decision to make.

MC for the day and founder of a new consumer awareness website, notgoodenough.org, Dr. Fiona Stewart led the panelists through a series of questions. One question raised was to do with whether women today were faced with the same setbacks as their mothers? The response was unanimous: that today's women are presented with far more options. And all hoped that as time went on, acceptance of women in all fields would increase.

Director of Citrus Web Design, Christina Noble stated that "women today have much more of an opportunity to do what inspires them." And all went on to agree that finally women are able to show their unique abilities in both the workplace and at home.

In terms of aiming for success, Michelle Palmer, Founder and Editor of Girl.com.au (a Just BU sponsor) suggested to the girls that one vital step for women was "to surround yourself with likeminded people who have the same aspirations and who will encourage you to succeed." Michelle is also a member of "Slinkee Minx", a vocal group about to release it's first single.

Founder of Tonic and proud mother of two boys, Toni Joel spoke passionately about not limiting yourself to just one skill. She commented "you should always remind yourself that you can be anything you want to be."

While the panelists encouraged the girls to look for areas that they were passionate about, Michelle offered the audience a reassuring piece of advice, "Don't fret if you don't know what you want to do. Just be happy." After a show of hands it seemed that this was a situation many of the students found themselves in.

Once again it was another successful Just BU event. The final advice from JUST B U is: to simply "take the time to find yourself', because "life is a journey, not a destination."

If you would like JUST BU to come to your school, or to find out more, simply check out this website: www.justbu.com.au