Year 12 student, Kirsten Holland, had a big decision to make at the end of Year 10.
For someone with aspirations to study science with a view to a career in medicine or medical research, Chemistry was a prerequisite subject—but not offered at her secondary college.
“I could have enrolled through the VVLN (Victorian Virtual Learning Network) but because my dad works from home and was available to take me to the station to catch the train, coming up the line to BSSC was a real option.”
Given how precious time is in Year 12, deciding to travel for two and a half hours a day is no small thing. However, Kirsten knew she had made the right decision when—within weeks of walking into Tas Dwyer’s Chemistry class in Year 11—she knew Tas would be her all-time favourite teacher.
Kirsten has been incredibly grateful to have Tas for Chemistry again this year.
“I love her style—the way she explains complex concepts and gives really helpful feedback—and her incredible dedication.
“In terms of subjects, Allied Health is my favourite because I’m fascinated by physiology. Taking this subject solidified my focus for tertiary study and I really admire Kait Kelly’s extensive knowledge.”
The Allied Health class visited the Alfred Hospital earlier this year and alongside some very interesting experiences, participated in a Q&A panel.
One of the doctors on this panel talked to the group about her career journey. Kirsten was impressed and inspired.
“If I could have had a private conversation with her, I would have asked her what motivated her to study medicine, what gives her the motivation to stay committed, and what the most rewarding aspects of her work are.”
Meanwhile, Kirsten’s own motivation during VCE has been greatly enhanced by the way BSSC values and nurtures independence.
“The absence of a power dynamic between staff and students, and being on a first name basis, has worked well for me.
“It’s not like you’re friends with your teachers, it’s more about feeling they respect you as a person.
“It ties into me as a person,” she says. “I’ve always valued my individuality and feel I perform best when it’s on me to do well.”
This aspect of BSSC culture has helped Kirsten feel very well-prepared for uni.
She has made the most of “the invaluable study periods”, and appreciates “not being locked in for six hours a day”.
All these aspects are huge positives for her and reinforce her original decision to come to BSSC.
“It’s just such a good school!” she says. “I absolutely recommend this college to my friends.”
Kirsten has also found BSSC to be very understanding as she’s juggled train timetables and occasional late arrivals due to delays or the need to leave early.
Despite feeling so positive about senior, the travel has been the hardest and most challenging aspect of her time here. It’s brought some health concerns in its wake, and for the first time in her education she’s been confronted with the effects of stress.
“I have found ways to deal with it. The best support is from my small but close-knit friendship groups. We really look out for each other.”
The practical and thoughtful support of parents and family have also been indispensable, for which Kirsten is very grateful.
“Exercise makes so much difference to stress too—but I’ve found it hard to be consistent this year.
“Last year I was on my way to becoming a spin instructor at my gym, but had to stop the course for the sake of my studies. I’ll pick it up again once I’ve finished VCE.”
Kirsten has also stopped watching the news as much as she used to.
“The big concerns for my generation around how we afford the future we’re moving into has created so much uncertainty for me and many other young people.
“I try to reassure myself that at the end of the day I’ll work it out.”
Most BSSC students quickly discover what works best for them when it comes to tackling homework and study. For Kirsten, variety truly is ‘the spice of life’.
Consequently, she frequently moves through a sequence of different spaces at home and at school because she’s found working too long in one spot creates a sense of staleness.
“Moving places is like a reset and it remotivates me.”
If Kirsten could go back through time and have a conversation with her younger self, she’d tell herself to keep the positive focus she had already developed around school.
“I’d say, ‘you’re on track, keep going’.
“Friends will come and go. Don’t get distracted. Keep your eyes on the prize: finish school well. Go to uni. Set yourself up for the career and life you want.”
