Leila’s off to Oxford!

Local high school student, Leila Clarke, was scrolling through social media when the advertisement popped up.

Normally the 16-year-old ignores such intrusions, but this one caught her eye.

It was an ad for a two-week summer school at Oxford University, and an essay writing competition, giving students the chance to attend for a significantly reduced rate.

As a young woman whose sights are set on becoming an international human rights lawyer, Leila took the plunge and entered the competition.

‘The topic was modern day slavery, so I decided to write about body image especially focusing on young girls,’ the Federal resident says.

‘I see that girls in my year and in my group are struggling with the way they look’.

‘There’s this really unrealistic expecta-tion about what young girls should look like. There’s so much pressure on us – it basically amounts to a form of slavery.’

It was an insightful take on the topic, and the judges agreed, ultimately offering Leila a 40 per cent reduction on the not-insubstantial cost of attending the summer school.

When asked what she’s looking forward to about the adventure she’s about to embark upon, Leila laughs and replies, ‘Everything!’

‘We get to stay on campus at Oxford where there will be lectures and tutorials. I’m interested in meeting people from all over the world’.

The 16-year-old has chosen to take part in the summer school’s law stream, taking her a significant step closer to her dreams of furthering the cause of international human rights.

Famous Australian human rights lawyer and barrister, Jennifer Robinson, has also been a source of inspiration.

‘She went to a regional school, like me, and then went to ANU,’ Leila says.

‘Now she’s a really famous human rights lawyer. I’d love to follow that path.’

With a trip to one of the world’s most prestigious universities locked in, Leila is on her way.