When Cooper first joined the Top Blokes mentoring program at Morayfield State High School, he was, in his own words, “this kid that wouldn’t be quiet, wouldn’t sit still.” Fast forward a year, and Cooper is about to embark on a week-long voyage from Brisbane to Gladstone — an experience that will test his courage but also celebrate just how far he’s come.
“I feel like I’ve changed a lot, like for the better,” Cooper reflects. “I think I just realised how important everything was and how much I could be a better me.”
The sailing voyage, organised in partnership with Rotary and the Young Endeavour program, is no small adventure. It’s an opportunity that demands leadership, teamwork, and resilience, qualities Cooper has been quietly building since his time with Top Blokes.
“At the start, I was a little bit iffy about it,” he admits. “But over time, as it’s got closer and closer, I’ve just got more excited.”
For Cooper, this is all about testing himself in new ways – learning to adapt, meeting new people, and stepping away from the familiar. Cooper had to raise $1000 to take part with his school community and Top Blokes fully behind him.
“I’m learning to see how adaptive I can be to situations,” he says. “I’m not used to the sea… but I’m looking at how I can learn quickly.”
Of course, every challenge comes with its share of nerves. For Cooper, the hardest part might be being away from home and disconnected from family. “I always think of the worst with everything,” he says with a laugh, recalling a chat with his mum: “What if, like, a whale hits the ship or something?”
But even in moments of worry, Cooper shows the kind of mindset that shows his resilience and strength: “I don’t really put the challenges in my head,” he says. “I just put, like, the positive stuff in my head, you know?”
His mum’s support has been a constant grounding force. “Anywhere I go, she’s always there to help… I am at the point where I am because I’ve always had that person in my corner backing me up.”
Cooper’s story shows just how far a young person can go when they’re given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. Top Blokes helps plant the seeds for long-term change. Reece Anderson, Regional Coordinator for Top Blokes, “It’s not always about changing straight away, but it plants the seeds for change later on.”
We’re proud of Cooper and everything he represents. His story shows us what’s possible when young men are given the tools, support, and belief to become the best versions of themselves.
You can watch Reece’s chat with Cooper below:
