What would you tell your younger self?

Life is full of twists and turns, and looking back, there are probably many memories that make you proud.

When you were younger, you may have never imagined you would be where you are today  – sometimes our plans for the future evolve and take us to places we didn’t expect.  

Imagine if you knew what you know today when you were growing up. What would you tell your younger self? 

“Don’t worry, things will all work out for the best.”    

“Stop letting fear hold you back.”  

“Hug your loved ones a little tighter and appreciate them more.” 

PCYC Queensland is a trusted not-for-profit charity, and at each of its 55 PCYC clubs across the state, a police officer runs free youth programs, using their expertise to connect with, guide, and mentor local young people.  

PCYC invited some of the young people who attend the Channelling Healthy Aggression Mentoring Project (CHAMP) program at PCYC Pine Rivers to think about what they’d tell their younger self if they had the opportunity to do so.  

What are they most proud of? 

Millie shared: “I’d tell myself that I can do better, and just to keep going.

“I have achieved letting my bad emotions go while focusing on getting stronger. CHAMP taught me that I can believe in myself and achieve new things. I wish I knew about CHAMP earlier so I could have learned how to believe in myself earlier.” 

Destini, who also attends the same CHAMP program, shared: “If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to not care what others think and to keep going. 

“CHAMP has made me feel stronger on an emotional level and a physical level.” 

CHAMP is a free program that uses boxing and other physical activity to provide young people with a positive and constructive way to release built-up stress and emotions that they might otherwise not know how to healthily manage.

Youth Club program manager, Police Sergeant Leigh, who runs the free CHAMP program these girls attend, explains that CHAMP combines challenge, fun, and connection for its young participants.  

“CHAMP is a program where we bring young people together to engage in something that’s challenging and build their resilience. It's quite a physical activity,” she said.  

“It’s about creating something that can be quite challenging for them, to see that they can do that, and being able to improve and challenge yourself each week.” 

Millie says Sergeant Leigh is always supportive:  

“Leigh is really understanding. She encourages us to be our best no matter what we do. 

“It makes me believe in myself and have better self-confidence. It kind of feels like relief of stress. 

“It’s nice to talk to them because they always listen and no matter what, they’re here for us. I would thank them for making me believe in myself and helping me through rough times.” 

Hearing young people express these thoughts powerfully reaffirms PCYC Queensland’s purpose – to create safe, supportive spaces and programs for young people, that foster positive experiences and provide inspiring role models.  

By helping young people build their confidence, resilience and capability, along with healthy coping skills, we strengthen not only individuals, but entire communities. And when our young people thrive, so do our neighbourhoods, and our communities around them. 

Sergeant Leigh sums it up well. 

“Our young people show resilience, they keep showing up, they want to be there and engage,” she said. 

“I think it’s important to continuously provide those opportunities for them, so that they can come and connect with each other – and with us – and continue to navigate this really challenging space that the world has become for them.” 

Right now, more young people than ever before are attending PCYC Queensland programs, looking for encouragement, support, and opportunities to build new skills and thrive. 

As the end of the financial year approaches, you can help PCYC to provide these opportunities and to make a difference. Donate now – every dollar counts. 

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.