How Some Aussie Youth Are Making Better Choices in Their Lives 

Several Australian youth are exemplifying the values they have learned at home and church to let their lights shine and lead other youth to make good choices.  

Fortified through worship in both sacrament meetings and temples, combined with living the values found in the “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices” booklet, these young people understand who they are. 

Layla Cerna, of Gippsland, Victoria, is often asked, “Do you actually wake up at 5:30 in the morning every day?” 

She says, “As a 17-year-old member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s easy to feel alienated by my peers. Yes, I attend a scripture study four mornings a week. No, I can’t go to your party on the weekend. Yes, I choose to do these things.” 

Layla continues, “A day in my life as a school captain can be hectic at times. In a school setting, having the ‘For the Strength of Youth’ standards’ is my biggest help. Early in its pages, the guide reminds me that ‘Jesus Christ is the way to eternal joy,’ and that my ‘Father in Heaven trusts’ me. By always remembering Christ in my actions, I’m also able to be a light in the lives of my friends.” 

“Sharing scripture verses with my friends is my favourite act of love,” she says. “This is meaningful to us as we are all of different faiths but agree that our Saviour cares for us immensely and that we should care for each other, too.  A simple passage can cheer the mood.” 

Young Latter-day Saints in the Beenleigh area of Queensland lead the way in their schools as well. 

Sunday School classmates, Tammy Palupe and Ella Fepuleai in the Regents Park neighbourhood, have both been chosen as student leaders of their schools, with Ella being chosen as School Captain.  

For Seth Tuiatua, Zara Stone and Francis Iva Jnr., leadership has definitely been taught by example at home with their dads serving in church leadership positions. Each student has been elected to positions of their interest, with Seth elected as Music Captain, Zara as Big Buddy Captain, and Francis as Sports Captain. 

In modelling values taught in the For the Strength of Youth booklet, Azaria Schwalger of Melbourne, says, “Growing up in the gospel and having parents that value education, has been a great support system for me as I strive to be an example of my faith, my culture, and my upbringing. As a young woman navigating through life’s challenges, I uphold high moral standards in my personal life and in my interactions with others.” 

Azaria serves as the female College Captain at St. Peter’s College, a Catholic school that emphasizes servant leadership. Knowing that she is a daughter of God helps her to lead with kindness and respect, work collaboratively with others, and celebrate the cultural richness of different groups to help create a sense of unity within her school.  

“My responsibilities go hand in hand with our gospel teachings of expressing our love for others through Christlike service,” she says. “I genuinely desire to make a positive impact at school by leading with compassion, empathy, and inspired choices. I strive to demonstrate integrity in living what I’ve learnt through the choices I make.”