Designing his future

How Jaydis Woolla is shaping his future with CYLP 

Jaydis Woolla’s journey from Weipa to boarding school has been shaped by family, opportunity and a determination to grow. Now in Year 11 at Brisbane Boys College, he’s a Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) student who’s learning to balance school, sport and independence while keeping his eye on what’s next. 

It was his mum and cousin Gerald who set the wheels in motion. “My mum set it all up because it’s a new opportunity,” Jaydis said.  

Having Gerald, a family member, at the school made the transition smoother. “Since he was older, he would look after me and teach me stuff about boarding. It was pretty good,” Jaydis said. 

Adjusting to a new environment was a step up in many ways. “The school is definitely bigger… you have to be more proactive, do your own stuff,” Jaydis said. The academic expectations were higher, too. “There’s definitely more work, and it’s more challenging.” But the support from teachers and CYLP has helped him keep pace, especially in his favourite subjects, like English and Economics. “Economics is good… It’s getting you ready for the real world, teaching you how to be financially stable,” he said. 

Jaydis thrives in the structured routine of boarding life. He’s picked up habits that stay with him when he heads home. “I don’t have to rely on my parents as much,” he said. “I’ve been more independent.” 

CYLP has supported him throughout, from study check-ins to showing up in person for key moments. “They always come down to  just support you there in person, which is good,” he said. Tutoring and wellbeing conversations with his Student Support Officer, Tessa, also help keep his studies on track. 

Outside the classroom, Jaydis is involved in soccer, playing as a midfielder, striker and on the right wing. He values the social connections that boarding school offers. “Your mates are a lot closer,” he said. It’s just fun most of the time.” 

When he’s back in Weipa, you’ll find him fishing off the jetty or in the mangroves. “Barra, easy,” he smiled when asked about his favourite catch. Those home trips are precious time with family, fresh air and a chance to reset. 

Jaydis is still figuring out what’s next. University is on the cards, possibly in sports science or architecture – two paths that reflect both his love of sport and his creativity. “I like to build stuff and design buildings and cars,” he said. “I used to do it when I have extra time in class – design stuff.” 

His advice to others thinking about CYLP is simple: “Try it out. Coming here has definitely grown me as a person.” And when asked why finishing high school matters, Jaydis is clear “It gives you more opportunities in the actual world. It helps you build relationships, learn how to communicate.” 

With support from CYLP, Jaydis is shaping a future that’s as thoughtful and open as he is.