KATE Sinclair may now be lukewarm on a political career but she is still keen to make a difference.
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When university starts this month, Kate will start a law/arts degree at the University of NSW.
While she is unsure exactly where her degree will take her, the Minnamurra Public and Kiama High schools' captain now has her sights set on international law and, as an indigenous person, possibly in the area of land rights.
For someone so young, Kate has an impressive CV.
The 2013 Kiama Young Citizen of the Year (Kiama Council Australia Day award) was also a member of the Student Representative Council, the debating team, attended MP Gareth Ward's Leadership team, took part in the Regional Lions Youth Quest of the Year Competition and won the Minnamurra Lions Club Youth of the Year quest.
Kate's many awards and achievements include an Academic Indigenous Award for Excellence - Junior, Kiama High School Gold Medal Achievement, Minister's Award for Excellence on Student Achievement, Kiama Rotary Club Award for School Service and Kiama Chamber of Commerce Award for Excellence in Business Studies.
Kate said she had always taken every opportunity offered to her.
While she did not take on those activities with a career in mind, they had shaped her ideas.
She also said she was a motivated person, even in her spare time.
"I'm pretty driven," she said.
Until last year, Kate had entertained the idea of a political career.
"What has turned me off is the public spotlight and the scrutiny," she said.
"I don't want to criticise the media, but the approach, particularly to women, has been really disheartening."
As Youth Scholarship co-winner, Kate has received $500 to help with her studies.
The Kiama Independent congratulates Kate, and wishes her well in her future endeavours.