Smith's Hill High School vice-captain Rosie Simmons, 17, celebrated International Women's Day on Sunday by being named winner of the Zonta Club of Wollongong's Young Women in Public Affairs Award.
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The year 12 student's goal is to become a gynaecologist and she wants to work in developing countries with organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres.
Rosie hopes to study in Nepal but also wants to develop an understanding of the health inequalities present in Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
She is a member of the school council, state advisory council and a regional student leadership team.
Rosie is heavily involved in surf lifesaving and on some days looks after 50 six- and seven-year-old mini lifesavers. She is a surf patrol member holding a bronze medallion and surf rescue certificate.
Rosie has participated in Department of Education leadership forums representing the views of students statewide.
She is also a member of the Illawarra South East NSW students' representative council that aims to promote student leadership in the region.
She is interested in ethical issues and humanitarian inequalities in the developing world.
Accepting the award, Rosie thanked Zonta for the opportunity to learn more about what the club does in promoting the status of women.
Rosie said she would continue to look for every opportunity to gain leadership experience.
"I have always been involved in student leadership at school because I believe it is important for all students to have that opportunity to be able to develop as a student leader before entering the workforce or going to uni," she said.
"I am also heavily involved in sport. Playing representative sport has also been a really good way to be involved in the community.
"With surf lifesaving I have gone through the ranks from being a nipper at Sandon Point Surf Club in the under sixes.
"Surf safety is a really crucial thing in our community. That is why I love being a role model for young nippers."
Rosie is also a surf lifesaving mentor and is passionate about sharing her knowledge of surf safety. But she is equally passionate about her involvement in student leadership.
She was chosen to participate in a statewide young women's leadership day where she got to help formulate new programs.
Rosie has had some inspirational role models such as former Smith's Hill principal Rae Mitchell.
