Next year BSSC Year 12 student, Scarlett O’Connor, hopes to begin a degree in Outdoor Education at La Trobe University, Bendigo.
Unsurprisingly, her BSSC Outdoor and Environmental Studies subject is a favourite.
Meanwhile, her ‘hands on’ approach to life sees her relishing her other BSSC subjects too: Design & Technology – Competition Vehicles, VET Engineering, VET Building & Construction, and English.
She’s presently making a bench vice in Engineering and working with others to build cubbies— essentially tiny houses—the college will sell at the end of the year. This project gives students hands-on experience in home construction.
Most of Scarlett’s subjects also build great teamwork skills—something fundamental to so many areas of life.
“I went on the Kakadu trip last year and it was fantastic. The highlight was Aunty Mandy giving us a great understanding of local First Nations People’s perspectives.
“We also got to weave with natural fibres and it was amazing to realise how much food was all around us.”
For someone who just loves being out in nature, Scarlett was in her element. She has grabbed these kinds of opportunities before, building fabulous memories on a Year 10 Wilson’s Promontory overnight hike.
“It’s interesting how places can really affect you,” she says. “One of my friends who was on that trip had never hiked before. She cried when it was over.”
A group of La Trobe Uni Outdoor Education students have included Scarlett on their five-day spring hike through Gariwerd National Park (The Grampians).
Despite recent fires, Scarlett is looking forward to being immersed in the bushland of this very special place and exploring Gariwerd’s magnificent peaks and waterfalls.
Concerned about climate change, Scarlett says it’s something making her worry about the future. She’s also concerned by the growing inequality regarding how people are treated.
“Growing up we’re taught to be true to ourselves. Yet many people in the LGBTIQA+ community feel they have to hide their identity.”
Scarlett is super impressed by her mum who doesn’t care what others think about her really cool mohawk, and encourages her daughter to stand up for what she believes in.
“She’s given up so much to care for us and make sure we have what she never did, and both my parents have given us many opportunities—I’ve tried many different sports: from netball to swimming to cricket and I’m presently playing hockey for Eaglehawk.”
Thinking back to her first few months at BSSC, Scarlett remembers initially feeling stressed but loving the college by the end of first term.
“The biggest challenges were working out where I fitted in and coping with the fact a lot more is expected of you in Year 11.
“I’d now describe BSSC as ‘open and inviting’,” she says. “Whoever you are, you’ll find your people at this college.
Scarlett had enjoyed her tech subjects in Year 10, but remembers a moment she realised these hands-on subjects were a genuine pathway at BSSC.
Alongside pursuing the subjects she really wants to, Scarlett says she has grown personally at BSSC.
“I’ve worked out what really matters to me and discovered who I can be as a person—like developing more initiative. It’s very satisfying and I’d definitely recommend this college: it’s a place to discover what you’re looking for.”
Scarlett finds working through old SACs and past exams, and revising her notes are the best method to cement knowledge into her memory.
Listening to music is a huge de-stressor, as is her interest in crafts such as crochet—she taught herself—and knitting, a ‘gift’ from her grandmother who continues to pass on wool to her.
“I really enjoy making plush toys—but I make all kinds of cool stuff.”
A big Keith Urban fan, Scarlett has been looking forward to his August concert for months.
She’s aware a lot of people are not into country music, which she loves, and wonders if perhaps they don’t realise just how varied the genre is, or what great performers some country musicians are.
A part-time job at the Bendigo Health café is also part of Scarlett’s week. She’s been there since Year 10 and the job brings important income for events such as the Keith Urban concert!
Heading out on her bike is also a great de-stressor and means she’s training for her Competition Vehicles subject too.
“We live on a small farm with heaps of different animals and so many places to ride a bike.”
Scarlett’s advice to her younger self is this: “Embrace everything you go through. Everything is a learning challenge and can help you improve yourself.”
