Beatrice Panganiban.
Camera IconBeatrice Panganiban. Credit: Supplied/Felix King Photography

Zero2hero leadership camp helps Hampton SHS captain overcome self doubts

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

HAMPTON Senior High School student Beatrice Panganiban said a mental health leadership camp helped her overcome self-doubt in fulfilling her role as school captain.

Beatrice (17) was one of 43 students who took part in a five-day program run by WA-based mental health not-for-profit organisation, zero2hero.

The camp aimed to de-stigmatise mental illness among young people, and empower young leaders to graduate as mental health ambassadors.

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Having an interest in mental health and psychology, Beatrice said building a connection with new people at the camp was memorable.

“I was freaking out when I got in…I did get in in Year 9 but my parents did not let me go and that made a lot of doubt come out of myself,” she said.

“One thing I realised is I got picked as school captain this year and I think it was a good opportunity that I got in (because) I had doubts if I had the skills to actually fulfil my role.”

Beatrice said the main thing she gained was the importance of having a positive mentality.

“One of the things that I am using now is taking time to realise that as much as I believe in people, I would have to believe in myself,” she said.

She said going into the mental health industry was a possibility after she finished high school.

“I am really up for anything; that is why I did camp because I wanted to get out my comfort zone,” she said.

“But going to camp, I realised I want a job that is versatile, it may be mental health, science or something of the like.”

The organisation has trained more than 450 young people in suicide prevention and mental health leadership since 2009.