When you were a student, what did you want to do beyond year 12? What are you doing now?
After graduating I wanted to attend the Australian Defence Force Academy and study a Bachelor of Arts to enable a career in the Australian Army. While this dream did become a reality for two years, I discovered this was not where my true passions lie and embarked on a new path. I’m now undertaking a Bachelor of Criminology and working in the Australian Public Service as an Executive Assistant in Canberra.
What do you love about the type of work/study you do now?
I love the diversity of Criminology and being afforded the opportunity to study the intricacies of individuals while also aiming to understand the wider societal implications in a variety of circumstances. I love that my work with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission enables me exposure to a wide range of experiences that supplement my passion. Most of all I love that I can use the terms happiness and success interchangeably as I have combined my personal passions with my professional aspirations.
What’s one of your most vivid memories of your time at the college?
Almost all of my memories of BSSC are filled with happiness, learning, adventure and success. However, one that stands out the most is a conversation I had with Cindy one cold winter’s morning of Year 12… it epitomised my experience at BSSC. I was heading up the stairs of C block to study before school started and I ran into Cindy. She asked me how I was, we discussed the weather, my favourite musicians, my home life and then finally my study. The vividness of this memory is drawn from my thoughts in that moment that I was more than just a number on a school list, I was an individual who was valued and cared about. I feel very blessed to have created such strong bonds with my teachers and peers that enabled an experience that fostered my individuality above my studies. I reflect on this memory even more fondly three years after graduating. It is the values, ethics, relationships built, and passion that has got me to where I am now, not just the study I did at the time or the ATAR score I achieved.
Was there a particular teacher or staff member that inspired you?
Cindy and Nicole inspired me not only to reach for the stars, but instilled in me that anything was possible. They inspired me to always be proud of myself and that no matter what my personal success looked like, those around me would be supportive too. Their passion, dedication and kindness will never be forgotten. They were integral to my VCE experience and BSSC is very lucky to have them.
Were you involved with any extra-curricular activities?
I was on Student Council in Year 11 and 12, and was Vice President in Year 12. I represented BSSC in netball, cricket, debating and public speaking, as well as being heavily involved in a number of activities run within the school, such as the 40-Hour Famine, Biggest Morning Tea, Yoga Sessions, Foodshare’s Million Meals, college formal and more.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Keep doing what you’re doing! As you already recognise listening to, and learning from, your mum and your teachers in invaluable. Their lessons will bring you so much growth and joy in the future. Trust yourself. Your instincts will take you further than you could ever imagine, so embrace them! It may sound cliche but the only failure is not trying at all, and those who love you will support you no matter what. Life is awesome and can be everything you ever wanted it to be, you’ve just got to want it!
