VCE Conference
On the 19th of January, the Year 12 cohort traveled from Bendigo to Melbourne to experience the 2023 VCE Conference. Over two days, we visited Monash, Swinburne, Deakin in Waurn Ponds and Melbourne University, where we were able to hear from both members of faculty and student ambassadors about life on campus.
Upon arrival, Monash staff guided us through the variety of courses they offer at their Clayton campus. We were also able to walk around Monash and grab some lunch to get a feel for the campus and their facilities. Olivia, a third-year commerce-engineering student spoke to us about her time at Swinburne, and gave invaluable advice about making the most of university life, joining groups we felt passionate about, and having lots of fun along the way. She presented her journey at university, with her transfer from a design course to her current one allowing her to really explore her interests and broaden employability options. Similarly, the panel of students at both Melbourne and Deakin were eager to answer any questions we had about university life. We heard about the large variety of societies and clubs at Melbourne Uni, with students speaking about the great times they have had in arts, science and chocolate lover’s societies.
University College was most definitely a highlight for many at the conference. As our bus entered the pearly gates of University College, awe-stricken faces marveled at the grandeur of the eloquent architecture. Excitement filled the air as keys were distributed and room tours began. From the white pillars of the dining hall to the sprawling gardens, we could not help but appreciate the inclusive and happy atmosphere wrought from the rich history of the college since its founding in 1937, as the first of Melbourne's residential colleges to permit female residence. During our stay, we enjoyed all the benefits of college life including a buffet-style breakfast which despite the early 7:00am start left us all in great spirits and fueled us up for the rest of our day. At the end of our stay as honorary University College residents, the Year 12 cohort left a little more motivated to face this final year of school with a clearer view of what lays before them. As Year 12s we left a little more inspired too. As University College's motto goes, ‘Frappe fort’ hit this year hard!
As we finished up our few visits for the day, we returned back to University College with excitement and eagerness, as we knew that coming up was the well-known VCE conference dinner. As we got dressed up in our formal attire, we were given the opportunity to take photos with one another, for what was a generous amount of time of an hour. We were finally settled into our designated seats, where we commenced the night.
Throughout the night, we were fortunate enough to have our guest speakers, Tom Duke and Jorja Watts who were Old Girtonians, provide us their insights into their journey throughout Year 12 and beyond. As we listened to Remus list out the impressive accolades and achievements of Tom, we were in disbelief. Tom Duke graduated from the University of Melbourne with First Class honours. Tom furthered his studies with a Master of Business Analytics at Melbourne Business School and is now an Interdisciplinary Consultant and Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. Tom provided us with a perfect insight into the importance of balance and being able to thoroughly enjoy Year 12, making long-lasting memories while reflecting on the importance of this year.
Jorja Watts graduated from Monash University with a Marketing degree. Jorja undertook a Global Study Program in China and Hong Kong with Monash Business School, and further studies in Montreal on an Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Learning expedition. A Brand Operations Specialist, Jorja coordinates global operations and domestic and international logistics for Bread Beauty Supply. Jorja’s insights into her journey were really meaningful, as she provided us with the realistic situation that many of us may be experiencing, with the uncertainty of life after Year 12. She provided us with the motivation and courage to truly enjoy the journey, as we figure out the course of our future.
To end our memorable night, we were inducted as the Class Of 2023, where we finally received our Year 12 ties, in which there were some mixed feelings across the cohort. Regardless, we thoroughly enjoyed the night, as we finally reflected that this was the beginning of the end.
From all of this, we gained some clear takeaways that we’ll hold close as we work through our last year at Girton. Firstly, Year 12 is a team effort, and your individual success does rely somewhat on the success of those around you. Therefore, it’s in all of our best interests to collaborate and support each other, now more than ever. This can look like study groups, strong support networks, or even just solidarity during what are bound to be stressful and trying times over the next ten or so months.
Secondly, we gained more of an idea of what comes next for us - where we want to be in twelve months' time, what university or course we want to get into, what we want to be working towards, and perhaps most importantly, how we’re going to get there. I know that I personally feel as though I’ve got more of a grasp of what I want to be doing once I leave school thanks to the VCE Conference, and as a result I’m closer to knowing what I’m aiming for in this pivotal final year.
Finally - and most importantly, in my view - we came to realise that the VCE Conference marked a poignant moment in our Girton journey; the beginning of the end, if you will. For years and years, our peers have looked towards events like the VCE Conference and seen it as a milestone that was to be worked towards, and now that we’ve actually experienced it like so many Girton Year 12 cohorts before us, we now appreciate that there’s not much time left at this school at all. One more swimming carnival, one more athletics, one more formal, one more house dinner, and so on. As we look towards the end of our time at Girton, we’re determined to make the most of these final milestones before we take our next steps.
VCE Conference was the beginning of that, as we all came together to think about 2024 and beyond, about what we’ll be working so hard for and, more broadly, the direction we take in uni, work, and life once we’re gone. Looking back on VCE Conference now, I’m struck by just how special a group of people the Class of 2023 is; not just future success stories in the jobs they want, but just incredibly decent, driven, and dynamic people, ready for the toughest but most exciting year of their school lives. To have had the VCE Conference to begin 2023 was fantastic, and something that we won’t forget soon.
Aksharan Shobanan (12 Riley), Ava Griffin (12 Aherne), Ronelle Masiboy (12 Jones) and Remus Brasier (12 Millward)
