“Coming to BSSC was so refreshing,” says Year 12 student, Amber Bray, “because teachers actually ask what you want to do and listen to what you have to say.”
Amber had not initially thought about changing from her private college in Kyneton for VCE. However, she heard about BSSC from others who were planning to make the move and decided to come to Open Day.
As she spoke with her future teachers, she felt treated with respect for what she was wanting to achieve in VCE.
“No one talked down to me, and I was so impressed by the buildings, study spaces, communal areas and chance to wear casual clothes—and I just loved the art floor.”
Amber says she has always been a quiet person, but one who valued their independence. She recalls the strict uniform policy at her previous college giving her a feeling of ‘pretending’.
“I went from the primary school where I felt what I wore or what I looked like didn’t affect other people’s opinions of me, into a place where I worried about it.”
During the first couple of years at her 7-10 college Amber says she suppressed much of what made her herself, just so she could fit in.
In contrast, she describes the comfort and security she now feels wearing clothes that reflect her personality.
The biggest challenge is the daily commute. However, the 45 minutes on the train are a chance to de-stress and make a distinct break between school and home—or mentally prepare for the day as she heads to Bendigo.
“I can also get homework done on the train if I need to.”
When buses replace trains it’s a bit more challenging because the commute time blows out to 90 minutes.
Despite this ‘tyranny of distance’, Amber’s parents were supportive of her changing colleges—having heard good things about BSSC from other parents.
The real test was actually attending senior.
Now, halfway through Year 12, Amber says she feels ‘seen’ at BSSC and that teachers seem to trust and appreciate the individuality of students.
“I love the diversity of people who attend this college, and feel more confident initiating new connections or talking with people I don’t know.”
This is something Amber has struggled with in the past and she says her parents have noticed the difference in her.
Amber’s mum has had an incredibly interesting life and Amber hopes she too will one day have as many amazing stories to tell her own kids.
Both her parents have encouraged her and her brother to be true to themselves and given them opportunities to expand their understanding of the world through travelling—both within Australia and overseas—including a trip through Europe for two months.
Her parents were heavily criticised for taking the kids out of school for two months, but Amber says one teacher later apologised once they realised how enriching the experience had been.
The business, Safe2Ride, is run by Amber’s parents. It aims to teach off-road motorbike riders the importance of asking: Am I safe to ride? Is my bike safe to ride? Is the track safe to ride?
They also want to help off-road riders improve their mental health by building self-confidence and connection to other riders.
Amber’s own career plans revolve around having a positive impact on others too. She is on track to study either psychology or a double degree in psychology and nursing. Consistent with this, her favourite subjects are Psychology and Allied Health.
“I want to get to the end of my life and know I’ve done something valuable with my time.”
Consistent with this, Amber is critical of any system that shames people for being an individual—such as political systems that disrespect women’s rights, limit access to education or oppress those in the LGBTIQA+ community.
“The events in the Middle East and US at the moment are very disturbing,” she says, “but also make me even more grateful for my opportunities—I’m especially thankful for a wider awareness of the world because of the travel our family has done.
“My family are a really big thing in my life—and this includes my extended family. I feel accepted and that I don’t have to change to fit in.”
As Amber works hard to achieve her goals, her study techniques have improved greatly during her time at BSSC.
“In the past, because I have a good memory, I didn’t have to study that much. Now, with the workload of VCE, that just not okay!
“I use practice questions, I read my notes aloud as if I was explaining the concepts to someone—our dog is a very good listener—I make posters and other visual aids, and, when studying Psychology, I link topics to my life to embed it more.”
When not at school, Amber will probably be listening to music—enjoying anyone with talent—reading, or having a go at improving her guitar skills.
“Music has always been important to me. Apparently, when I was little I would settle immediately if my parents put music on—any music.”
Amber also enjoys her part-time job at the Campaspe Mill Distillery, which she says is a great place to work.
“In the last twelve months I feel like I more truly understand who I am and what I value. I’d love to be able to go back and tell myself, ‘Don’t take everything so seriously. Enjoy it all more’.
“Don’t take on the expectations of others. Don’t be afraid to be who you are.”
