Brodie Seelen - student leader and inspiration

Student leaders are often the faces we all know, they are busy representing the school in the community, organising events and being interviewed by the Nayland Newsletter. We have already been introduced to Jackson Marshall & Emma Barnes-Wetere. Now it's Brodie Seelen's turn.

What is your favorite thing about Nayland?

“The culture, the interaction with everyone from Year 9 to 13, the good relationship with teachers is unique and very good thing that has defiantly helped me over the past few years.”

What subjects are you studying this year?

“This year I am taking Outdoor Ed, Drama, Business Studies, Psychology and Statistics.”

What do you hope/plan to do after college?

“I'm looking at doing a really cool Outdoor Ed course on the west coast which my mates have recommended to me as something I would enjoy. But I'm also thinking about doing a Bachelor of Commerce and Science at Otago University. My end goal is to travel in the next five years”

What inspired you to become a student leader?

“One of my older brothers was a student leader, my other brother was the board of trustees representative. I like talking to people and getting people involved in activities. “Over the past four years I've been at Nayland the student leaders have been very different each year and so I know they have a big impact, especially on year 9 and 10 and so I felt like I wanted to be able to help other people.”

What responsibilities do student leaders hold?

“Planning and organising school events, we meet with Mr. Wilson once a week and discuss things going on in the school, we run the student council and have a responsibility to talk to the house leaders and house captains as well. We also try to find ways to keep the school culture good and make it even better in places that it needs to improve in. We represent the school when communicating with other student leaders from other schools. We talk about what they do at their schools which is really helpful because sometimes they might have a good idea like a new event that we haven't run before so they may have good ideas on how to do it, what works well and what maybe doesn’t work as well. So being able to talk amongst everyone is helpful”

What do you most enjoy about being a student leader?

“I enjoy getting involved and seeing other people getting involved and have a good time. People listen to you more as a student leader you have more of an impact on people. Seeing people get involved and enjoy things that we organise is cool to see.”

How would you encourage your house to get involved with school events?

“There are lots of different types of leaders and leadership styles. I am someone who tries to lead by example so I will do something and be a part of it and that's how I try to get other people involved. Nayland's Got Talent is an example of this; I am happy to be on stage and really get into it and I think it's easier for people to get involved, be silly and have fun with it when they see others enjoying it too.”

Lots of work goes into school events during the year, it is great to see lots of participation. With plenty of school events scheduled for the rest of the year we encourage as many people as possible to get involved, support your house and have fun.

Any tips for students to help them while going through their journey at Nayland?

“My main tip is just give it a go! If there is anything that you are unsure of being interested in then give it a go., What is the worst thing that could happen? There are some things that I held back on in my junior years, but I really wished I had done them so I would say make the most of every opportunity you can."

To read more about Brodie's journey check out Jonty Dine's recent article in the Nelson Weekly: https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/brodie-battles-back

To watch the moment Brodie found out he was the Ironman NZ 2022 Tony Jackson Scholarship recipient click here: https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANNEWZEALAND/videos/525975685347258

Brodie has a goal of raising $100,000 to divide evenly between Ranui and AYA Cancer Service so check out his give-a-little page: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/help-patients-and-their-families-get to as many people as possible

And if you want to follow Brodie's journey to date and his progress, check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BrodiesJourney2021