On Friday the 14th, Alana Kilman came to visit Cooks Hill Campus, under her motto "Your career is an adventure, not an exam".

Alana Kilmartin's ambitious vision to take her Unserious careers roadshow to 250 schools across Australia has landed her at Cooks Hill Campus, Tomaree High School and Wallsend Campus in the Newcastle Central group of schools.

Alana's energy and passion for helping young people to find joy, meaning, and fun in their work life gave students important take-aways including having the courage to get curious about what else is out there.

Through telling her own career stories, the engaging presentation challenged students to take travel adventures, try jobs that come along, and ask themselves, "where do I want to find myself?"

The casual jog years concept challenged the norm, as it's usually a set career pathway that is considered as being successful. Alana spoke about school leavers seeing Careers in the first five years through a process of laying foundations, and although not necessarily being in one industry or occupation, all learning in the first five years will be valuable.

Alana's advice to her younger self: "Experiences in your casual jog years includes finding the jobs you like and surrounding yourself with people that support you. Build great relationships, know what you need and ask for help."

School feedback: "It was excellent, always hard to impress students, but they were attentive and engaged for the hour. The theme of trying various jobs is excellent and it was presented well."

-Alana's Biography, organised by Andy F.

Band: Radiohead.

Date released: 1997.

Genre: Alternative/indie rock.

Influences of the band: Pink Floyd, R.E.M, The Pixies, DJ Shadow, etc.
Similar to the following artists: The Smile, Thom Yorke, Fontaines D.C.

Star Rating: 5.

"An intense, but ultimately beautiful listen, OK Computer tells several stories from several points of view, bringing you through the high-highs and the low-lows of each. Recurring themes such as anger, love, depression, and the stripped back meaning of life are questioned and stewed on in their own unique ways throughout the album." -Poppy.

Words by Poppy & Freya

The Pet of the Week this time around is Paisley the cat!

Paisley is 8 years old, born in September 2016. His favourite food is prawns, and he enjoys drinking from the bathroom tap. His favourite things to do are annoy everyone in the house, meow loudly, lick himself, sleep in inconvenient places, and play with his toys.

Paisley also enjoys watching reality TV, resting in the sunroom, licking people's plates, jumping into washing baskets, and accidentally choking himself around the handles of shopping bags.

Words by Reylen

• Don’t delay, start your search early! 

• Reach out to your contacts. 

• Call or go in person to the business you would like to intern with. 

• Reach out to staff members to support you! Also chat to your advisory mates if you are stuck on ideas. 

• Send lots of emails and don’t give up hope. 

• Join a group LTI if you don't feel comfortable to intern solo yet.

Words by Ripley

Achimnes - “Such with is rare”

The Achimenes longiflora is a species of tropical flower native to Mexico, Central America and similar subtropical climates related to the African violet. They’re known for their vibrant colours, coming in shades of orange, red, patterned or spotted white and most notably, purple.
Achimenes are referred to by various names, being nicknamed as ‘hot water plants’, ‘Mothers tears’, ‘Cupid's bow’ or commonly, ‘Magic flower’. These delicate flowers are often grown for local pollinators or easy decoration; as they are relatively easy to grow. Though the leaves are actually edible when cooked, similar to dandelions.

Words by Grey

This year Cooks Hill Student Syd Hanrahan's little sister, Zara, is swimming for the Starlight Foundation. A nonprofit organisation that supports sick kids in hospitals with education, activities, support and all round a good time. Syd and Zara have first hand experience with the Starlight Foundation when their little brother was ill himself, so supporting the starlight group means a lot to Zara personally. The donations are open until the end of February, she is hoping to reach a goal of $1000 this year! Any amount is welcomed and appreciated. 

Support her here!!: https://superswim.org.au/z-hanrahan 

Remember:

If you have a survey for your project and want us to share the link in TGIF, don't hesitate to reach out! 
-Marley