How do we as young people navigate these challenging times? Can we dream of a better world by looking outwards instead of inwards?
I know from my own experiences when I think about my youth that looking inwards, just finding the sheer will to keep pushing on when the going gets rough, can be all-consuming.
Looking back, there were a number of times when I could have given up. I could have given up when I was 16, living independently at Foyer Oxford, a youth housing service, on Centrelink and barely eating so I could afford to pay the rent.
I could have thrown in the towel in 2017when I received news my Aunty was missing, and then watched her story on SBS's Vanished: The Unsolved Cases of First Nations Women. Someone who still remains missing to this day.
I could call it a day when I'm constantly racially profiled for simply going shopping, or when I have conversations with people and get told I'm one of the 'good ones'?
But do I give up? You guessed it, the answer is no.
Not only have I witnessed domestic violence and alcohol and substance abuse, I've struggled with my mental health, body image and the will to keep trying.
You can't truly capture someone's life in words.
I wonder about what can make or break a person and throughout all my own challenges, the support of others has pulled me through my darkest moments. I take strength and courage from the fact that my childhood dreams of making a difference are slowly being realised. I will continue to fight for justice for my people as my Elders have before me. Together we make a difference.
Youth Week is about acknowledging and celebrating the contribution of our young people to our community, our workplaces and our everyday life.
It's about looking outwards – not inwards. My generation are change makers, advocates and dreamers, even in the face of injustice, inflation and incompetence.
Without people by my side, my connection to my family and mob, I wouldn't be here. With them, I can dream of a better future.
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Amber Ugle-Hayward - 2023 Youth Week ambassador
Ms Ugle-Hayward, 23, is a Noongar woman who has lived in many towns around WA. She is a Senior Heritage Officer with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and a graduate of the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute.
Ms Ugle-Hayward volunteers as the Chair of Gymnastics WA Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, sits on the Town of Victoria Park's Mindeera Group Committee, and is the Youth Board Representative for Rise.
Youth Week runs from 14-21 April. This year's theme is Becoming: with others we dream.
