Many BSSC Year 12 students recognise the benefits of including a subject that feels more creative or provides a deep contrast to the rest of their course.
Heidi Tustain has balanced out her commitment to Chemistry, Maths, Psychology and English Language with VET Music Performance as her fifth subject.
“I love all my subjects,” she says, “but being able to pursue bass guitar at this level feels very close to fun. The subject gives me practical skills such as understanding copyright laws and how to run gigs.”
However, Heidi’s favourite subject is Chemistry, which she says, “helps explain the world around us.”
Chemistry not only segues wonderfully with her Psychology subject, it also has relevance to some aspects of linguistics in English Language.
Making these links between different subjects helps Heidi remember things better and twice a week Heidi attends the ‘Chem-tute’ sessions offered by the college—so she’s doing her part to maximise her potential.
One great discovery she’s made is that her teachers are not only interested in students getting their homework in on time, they also care about how the rest of life is impacting.
“Massive support” is her description of the college because, she says, “There’s so much help if you look for it and I can’t help boasting about the college to my friends.”
Of her involvement with NYSF (National Youth Science Forum) earlier this year, Heidi says, “That’s the happiest question you could ask me! It was amazing—even better than I expected.”
The people she met, both lecturers and other students, deeply impressed and inspired her, and she keeps in touch with many of them.
“I would definitely encourage any student thinking about NYSF to apply.”
Heidi was particularly captured by the work and presentation of Dr Bradley Jack—Senior Lecturer in Psychology at ANU—who is researching ‘inner speech’ (ie: the voice in your head) and how it may contribute to mental illness including conditions as schizophrenia.
“It was also the way he spoke to us, as though we were already scientists—not just kids—trusting that we could follow him. Which we did. It was so engaging.”
The CEO of NYSF, Dr Melanie Bagg, impressed Heidi too. “As well as being one of the kindest souls I’ve very met, she was personally inspiring because science is still dominated by men and the gender-balance has a long way to go.”
Earlier this year Heidi saw an ad on Compass for a three-day immersion at Monash University—her university of choice for future undergraduate studies in medicine—and successfully applied.
Sixty participants came from across regional and rural Victoria, including three students from BSSC.
“It gave us a real insight into uni life and the courses on offer. I now feel more comfortable about going there and finding my way around.”
Over the holidays Heidi will attend a ‘STEM Hub’ in Melbourne to build on what she learnt at NYSF—and catch up with three of her new friends.
Applying for a BSSC Student Ambassador position, Heidi was initially disappointed not to be successful. However, this opened the door for her to become a Music Leader instead.
Impressed by the college’s leadership team’s commitment to listening to students, Heidi says, “When I first came to the college I assumed it would be hard to get your opinion to leadership.
“Once I got involved I realised how easy this is!”
Principal, Kylie Hand, recently accompanied students on an excursion. Heidi noticed that students appreciated how approachable Kylie was and how easy it was to talk with her.
“She gave us the feeling she is truly interested and wanted to connect with us.”
Heidi always has her headphones on when she studies, actively choosing to listen to a wide range of genres, but is particularly into instrumental jazz-funk-fusion.
Her hot study tip is to use a good study planner. Not so much a timetable, but a prioritised ‘to-do’ list. She uses various study methods, but particularly loves practice questions and past exams.
When she needs a break, her yoga mat is nearby, and even ten minutes practice can completely refresh her.
Aside from yoga and music, life is kept interesting and well-funded through a part time job at Eaglehawk’s popular ‘Skip’s Skateboard Shop’.
Grateful to family and friends who give her the space to support herself, Heidi says her mum and dad are great listeners.
“It’s such a great comfort to know I have people around me who will celebrate my wins and have my back when I fall.”
Contrasting with all the positives in Heidi’s life is the shadow Climate Change casts over her generation’s future.
“Like a lot of young people, I’m very concerned about Climate Change. We are the ones who will have to make the really big changes.
“VCE Chemistry has taught me a lot about greenhouse gases, green chemistry principles, and the environmental sustainability goals—which ask not only what is the most sustainable, but what is the most sustainable and the most economical. For example, exploring the benefits of green hydrogen.
“I didn’t vote in the recent federal election, but one thing I know is I wouldn’t have voted for anyone promoting nuclear energy. That would lock us into depending on uranium, another finite resource, and we still don’t fully understand how we would store the considerable waste.”
If Heidi could give her 12-year-old self some advice, she’d say not to let others change you.
“I was so authentic, curious and such a little leader when I was twelve. During my 7-10 years I tried to fit in too much. But this last year I have gone back to her.
“She was always there, even though she put a lot of pressure on herself to be seen a certain way, which was very stressful.
“Since coming to this college I have changed so much. I feel like I’ve truly grown into my own skin. There is so much space here to find yourself, and so many opportunities to get outside your comfort zone and push yourself to become more self-sufficient and responsible for yourself.”
