Labels can tricky and are not always helpful. However, for Year 12 BSSC student, Yaz Hardie, having one particular label has been liberating.
A diagnosis of Autism at the start of 2023 opened the door for a whole new understanding about herself—and why others have sometimes misunderstood her intention in social interactions.
After years of confidence-undermining doubts about her take on the world, and a lifetime of feeling something was terribly wrong with her, many things suddenly made much more sense.
“It changed my life,” she says. “I now appreciate aspects of myself I had worried were just wrong. For example, I now feel proud of my capacity to hyperfocus on what I want to learn.”
Back in Grade 6, Yaz discovered the ‘Horrible Histories’ books. She’s been fascinated by history ever since, especially World War Two and the Holocaust.
British/Canadian historian Dan Snow is someone Yaz has long been impressed by. The writer of Horrible Histories also has a successful career with the BBC that has revolved around promoting an interest in History.
“I’d love to talk with him. I’m impressed by pretty much anyone who is passionate about history.”
Since coming to BSSC, Yaz’s confidence to pursue what interests her has blossomed.
“I had begun to believe that because I wasn’t into maths during Years 7-10, my career opportunities were hopeless!”
Now Yaz is grateful for her passion about history. It motivates her to dive deeply into the past—and learn the lessons it has to teach. She quotes George Santayana who, in 1905, essentially wrote that those who don’t understand the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes.
At BSSC, Yaz has been able to immerse herself in both the humanities and fine arts—and she’s thriving. Last year she took Art Making and Exhibiting, and this year Photography is her artistic focus.
“I’m so grateful to BSSC and being able to study the subjects I love.”
Glancing at Yaz’s Year 12 schedule—English, History of Revolutions, Sociology and Photography—it seems she is doing four subjects.
However, Yaz is also enrolled in Extended Investigation with the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES). CHES offers first year university subjects to VCE students in English Language, Algorithmics, Specialist Maths and Extended Investigation.
For Yaz, this is a chance to supercharge her research skills and better prepare her for studies in the humanities at uni.
This year she will investigate how and why cults of personality arise. Her focus will be Nazism and Hitler in Germany, and MAGA and Donald Trump in the US. She is required to produce a major paper.
“I’ve chosen my topic because I’m fascinated by how people tend to take things at face value and I’m curious as to why they don’t they see through facades.”
For all the aspects of her life that have become easier, Yaz says she still struggles with procrastination.
Her hot study tips include immediately attending to anything that really grabs her attention, and listening to music that makes her happy.
“As soon as I get inspired about a subject or topic, I just go for it straight away and usually get into ‘the zone’ really easily, and get heaps done.”
When the pressure is on, music and going for walks are a big part of de-stressing for Yaz.
Despite enjoying school and learning, the social side has always been challenging—and still is.
“But I’ve just had to work out ways to manage,” she says. “Future events I’m looking forward to—landmarks in a way—give me a sense of positivity and hope. I can fall into nihilism sometimes and things that give me hope are really important.”
Yaz also uses her mind to help her destress and tries to reflect on her thoughts, feelings and ideas so she can understand herself better and correct misunderstandings.
Forming significant relationships with her teachers has been a highlight of senior for Yaz. She loves the first-name basis—it’s actually made her feel her respect for her teachers is more adult.
“They have all been very inspiring and are so well-educated about their subjects. Because of my formal diagnosis—and with their support—I’ve been able to access the extra assistance I need in exams and SACs. I can do it; I just need more time.”
Yaz is also impressed the college offers other supports such as Wellbeing, and the Careers and Pathways Team.
Whatever she does in the future, she says the number one priority is to do a job she loves, saying, “I want to get up every morning feeling passionate about my career.”
Options she’s considering at the moment include photojournalism, museum curation, or a role where she teaches children the vital importance of understanding our histories.
Grateful for her supportive family, Yaz is also aware there was only so much they could do to help her through the difficulties she’s faced over the years.
“If I could travel back through my own history, I would say this to my twelve-year-old self:
‘I’m really sorry for what’s about to hit you—you won’t see it coming. But don’t be so hard on yourself, it’s not your fault. You’re not an idiot, you just don’t understand yourself entirely yet’.”
