Dannielle Downs – Class of 2007
When you were a BSSC student, what did you want to do beyond Year 12? What are you doing now?
I wanted to pursue a Business degree at La Trobe University which I did. After completing my degree, majoring in Human Resources and Marketing, I went on to become Marketing Manager for Bendigo Marketplace.
What do you love about the type of work you do?
I absolutely love the creative freedom that comes with my role. I have the support of my peers and client to develop and execute the marketing strategy and plan for Bendigo Marketplace Shopping Centre.
What’s one of your most vivid memories of your time at BSSC?
The iconic steps at the front of the school.
Was there a particular teacher or staff member who inspired you?
Caroline Pysing was a familiar face who transitioned with my year level from my secondary school onto Bendigo Senior. Caroline’s support of my peers and I back then, and to this day, is something I’ve always valued highly. Other wonderful teachers were Rod Fyffe, Naomi Flint, Gary Thorn and Scott Vaughan.
Were you involved with any extra-curricular activities?
I was a member of Student Council in Year 11.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Be kind to yourself. Your ATAR score isn’t going to matter in a few years and although you were fortunate to get into the university course of your choice, you didn’t have to place as much importance and value on it as you did.
There are lots of ways to get into university and the right career path for you. Also, university isn’t the be all and end all. There are students who didn’t go to university and instead completed apprenticeships and they’re all doing really well and don’t have a hecs debt.
