Opportunities are boundless

IT’S an exciting time for hundreds of Year 12 students across the Far North as their schooling finishes today after 13 years.

As well as feeling euphoric it is also frightening for the 17 and 18year-olds as they enter the big wide world after being nurtured for so long by their parents/guardians and teachers in the so-called informative years.

Most have listened, learned and studied hard, taken on board the wisdom and advice and are prepared for life outside the comfort of home and campus.

Some will be continuing their studies at university, TAFE or other tertiary institutions.

Others will be starting their working careers with no experience but backed by enthusiasm and willingness.

Some will begin the hard slog in apprenticeships or traineeships.

Others will take a gap year, mainly to travel or to volunteer.

Many will leave the comfort of Cairns and the Far North to go south to further their lives.

Fortunately there are two university campuses in the Far North that do enable youngsters to stay here and study.

Sadly, some will be at a loss, struggle to decide what to do or get a job or an apprenticeship/traineeship.

These are the teenagers we must look out for, mentor, encourage and help.

It is a tough world out there and nothing is easy, despite the advent of technology which enhances our lives in so many ways.

But there are endless opportunities for the brave and confident, here, throughout Australia and even overseas.

Go forth and good luck. Nick Dalton Deputy editor FOR THE RECORD: The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.