Reflections on my RYLA Experience

It was obvious this morning that Bronwyn took the self reflective activities at RYLA very seriously as she provided us with some powerful feedback about what she learned from the experience.  Instead of talking about the specifics of the activities she got involved in, she spent time this morning talking to us about what she personally has learned about herself as a result of her involvement. 

 

Initially she thought she might not learn too much as she was a pretty confident young lady; but as the week went by, she realised that there was more to being resilient than what she had known.  Bronwyn spoke about the RYLA Leadership Qualities and spoke more specifically about two that obviously impacted on her more than the others did.  Teamwork was one area where she said she learned a lot.  Having confused 'being a boss' with 'being a leader' she found out there was great opportunities for anyone and everyone to be a leader without necessarily being a 'boss'.   She also found out that by being willing to be vulnerable and open up to other members of her team she found out a lot more about her team mates, and she could better understand where they were coming from.  People who she initially did not take a shine to became people who she willingly accepted into her support network as a result of learning more about them and how they tick.

 

Another area of learning came from having a greater understanding of what resilience and energy management meant.  Her big win at RYLA was to understand what this all meant personally.  It changed her thinking.  So too did she have to rethink what can happen to people when they are given a chance to shine.  By allowing introverted people to take on a leadership role they could prove themselves to be worthy of their selection.  At RYLA they were encouraged to 'make mistakes' so that they could then learn from those mistakes.  Bronwyn indicated that she discovered that she has lots of opportunities for growth in her own self.

 

After her RYLA experience she now feels that life is a great big adventure which she is now embarking upon and is looking forward to making mistakes and learning from them. 

 

Well done Bronwyn and may that great adventure take you to wherever you want to go.  All the best in your new 'first adult job' with the WA Police.  Thanks for coming and sharing with us and being so open about what you got out of being a RYLA participant.  We loved having you come and talk to us.  Thanks.