Meet a student

10 minutes with….

Past student Ari Veseli!

She tells us a little more about herself … in 10 minutes.

Tell us a little about your life since you left Marian College? Eg. Work, study, life After graduating from Marian College, I've ventured into higher education, successfully earning a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science with Honours in Project Management from RMIT. As I'm currently in the penultimate year of my program, I've gained extensive exposure to my chosen field, which includes an undergraduate position at Multiplex—a globally acclaimed construction company. During my time with Multiplex, I've been assigned to the monumental 1.5-billion-dollar New Footscray Hospital project. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into the future of construction and the gradual transformation women are affecting within the traditionally male-dominated industry. This journey has proven to be remarkably positive, contributing significantly to my academic journey as I come close to finishing the course. While I’ve made my studies a main priority of mine and have embraced a newfound independence outside of my family home, I've also been conscious about cherishing life's smaller moments. I've achieved this by embarking on bi-annual trips with friends and my partner. These adventures have included memorable visits to places like Wilsons Promontory, where I completed an enriching overnight hike amidst the picturesque Victoria landscapes. Additionally, a spontaneous journey to Mount Hotham exposed me to skiing and the humbling experience of encountering numerous falls. My interest in travel, particularly to Australia's scenic locales, began after completing the 2018 Central Australia Immersion Camp held at Marian. This passion continues to flourish, driving me to explore more of the country's breathtaking destinations.

What did you like most about being a student at Marian College?

My time at Marian was truly memorable and enriching. One of the highlights of my time there was the long-lasting friendships I have made with my peers. In some circumstances, these friends of mine are also my co-workers! Marian College continued to provide a conducive environment for learning, offering a plethora of opportunities to expand on my knowledge and skills. The dedicated staff members of Marian played a pivotal role in my growth, providing valuable guidance and exposing me to various facets within my education. My biggest highlight was engaging in interschool sport competitions as that is where my competitive side flourished. The Central Australia Immersion camp was another key highlight of my time at Marian, as something that stood out to me was the genuine effort that staff put into fostering positive relationships with students and creating a supportive community that extended beyond the classroom.

Who inspired you?

I consider myself fortunate to have been influenced by several remarkable female role models, among staff at Marian, such as Miss Laura Giles. Her unwavering support and invaluable guidance significantly shaped my journey at Marian College. Alongside her, my closest friends have also served as exceptional role models, consistently motivating me to cultivate discipline and exert dedicated effort in the pursuit of success.

What are the biggest challenges facing teenage girls today?

From personal experience, I feel as though many girls struggle to find self confidence in their ability to achieve their goals, whether it be short or long term. The peer pressure to constantly succeed beyond expectation and not make mistakes throughout the process is so stressful and causes unnecessary strain on their mental health. It is so important to rewind and take things one step at a time and allow yourself to make mistakes, because those are the moments where you find the most self-growth.

What advice would you give to students at Marian College?

Prioritize Self-Care: Your well-being is paramount. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and find healthy ways to manage stress.
Stay Organized: Use planners, calendars, or digital tools to manage your assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. Being organized reduces stress and improves time management.
Balance Academics and Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities that you enjoy and that align with your interests. Balancing academics and hobbies can enrich your overall experience.
Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask teachers, counsellors, or peers for assistance if you're struggling academically or emotionally. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you extend to others. Don't be too hard on yourself; mistakes are opportunities to learn.

Favourite food & drink?

I have a strong preference for beverages with passionfruit flavour, and I must admit that Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines top my list when it comes to favorited types of food.

Favourite holiday destination?

Spain and Kosovo are my top two holiday destinations!

Favourite TV show, Movie, Book?

Movie: Shrek 2

Book: The Alchemist

What are your dreams for the future?

Becoming a Lead Project Manager at my dream job and continue travelling around the world!

Which 5 people in history would you like to invite to a dinner party?

Nelson Mandela

Martin Luther King Jr

Mother Theresa

Princess Diana

Rosa Parks