From Participant to Mentor: Rahni Price’s Journey with TRACTION
Rahni Price, Emmaus College - Student Mentor Spotlight
At just 14 years old, Rahni Price is already making an impact as a Student Mentor in the Term 4 Bike Build Program at our Beaudesert Workshop. A current student at Emmaus College, Rahni's journey with the program began as a participant at the end of 2023. After completing the program, she was inspired to return as a mentor, eager to share her newfound knowledge and leadership skills with others.
A Journey of Growth and Learning
Reflecting on her experience, Rahni shared that the program taught her leadership skills and provided hands-on knowledge about bike building. More importantly, it helped her learn how to build trust with people she didn’t know before.
“It gave me the opportunity to connect with others in a way I hadn’t experienced before,”
So powerful was her experience that Rahni felt compelled to return as a Student Mentor. "I had a student mentor during my program and I really enjoyed TRACTION. They enjoyed being a mentor, so I asked a teacher at school if I could be a student mentor in the future,” Rahni explained.
What Does a Student Mentor Do?
Student Mentors are young people who have previously completed a TRACTION program. Their role is to support the mentors, share their personal experiences, and help new participants get the most out of the program. As real models (not role models), Student Mentors lead by example, demonstrating positive behaviour and actions that encourage others to succeed.
Rahni, now in her role as a mentor, has embraced the opportunity to guide others through the process. “I thought I was going to be helping out people and teaching them what I learnt while I was at TRACTION—that’s exactly what happened. I ended up being able to do demonstrations of bike building and activities,” she said.
Boosting Confidence and Communication
For Rahni, her involvement with TRACTION has done more than teach her how to build bikes. It has improved her communication skills and boosted her confidence.
“Being involved with TRACTION again has helped me communicate with people more easily. It’s made me more confident overall,” Rahni noted.
She appreciates the mentorship from TRACTION’s team, saying, “The TRACTION mentors help me explain things to others, talk to people more, and express my knowledge.” Her growing confidence and ability to connect with others have been some of the most rewarding aspects of her mentoring experience.
Looking to the Future
Rahni is focused on finishing her schooling and is determined to complete Year 12. When asked about her dreams for the future, she shared her aspiration to become an interior designer—or pursue a career in a similar creative field.
For young people considering the Student Mentor role, Rahni had this to say: “I would describe it as a really fun way to connect with people and teach them new things and skills.” Her experience with TRACTION has been an enriching one, and she encourages others to consider taking on the experience.