Miss Preston is an arts law student at Macquarie University and recently spent three days in Canberra at the National Student Leadership Forum.

She attended the event after her college principal Alaisdair Murrie-West suggested she take part, with the university also sponsoring part of the costs involved.

Part of the event involved spending time with members of parliament, with Miss Preston's group meeting treasurer Joe Hockey and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Miss Preston said the idea behind the forum was to gain leadership advice and how to use that in the future.

"During the forum we got to meet a lot of politicians and ask them questions," she said.

"On the first day we sat in the House of Representatives to watch how the government works and the different things that unfold.

"As groups we were sent to different places like aged care homes and homeless shelters.

"Mine was sent to a disadvantaged area in Canberra where we had to do a survey with the people there.

"We asked them if they had $100 more a week, what would they use it on?

"Most of them said food, so it shows an area that can be worked on."

Speakers during the forum included Lieutenant General Angus J Campbell and Brendan Nelson, as well as being given the opportunity to visit the Prime Minister's office.

"I think we learned some really great leadership skills, but the friendships I made were also fantastic," Miss Preston said.

"I would definitely recommend it."

Miss Preston thanked those who contributed to her attending the forum.