Where Are They Now?

This year we're celebrating our past students who have gone on to bigger and better things! In each issue, an ex VUSC student will give our school community an insight into their journey out of secondary schooling and into their chosen pathway. 

If you are a past student, or know of a past student who would be willing to share their journey, please email kristy.muratore@education.vic.gov.au.

Esraa Saleh

Graduated: 2024    Age: 19

Currently studying: 2nd year Bachelor of Law (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts at Monash University

Can you describe your study/career journey so far?

I would say I’ve enjoyed my degrees thus far. In my first year, my team and I achieved second place in a national moot court competition, which was a huge confidence boost, especially competing alongside students from other universities from different states. I also enjoy the university environment and made it my mission to attend fun events on campus. However, one of the most rewarding parts of uni overall has been building friendships across different faculties as those connections have genuinely broadened my perspective on not just law, but other subject matters.

How did you become interested in your career pathway and what were your motivations for pursuing this career?

I'd always been drawn to the legal field, but for a long time I talked myself out of it because of what others had told me. People warned me that it was oversaturated, that graduates couldn't find jobs, and that the industry wasn't very diverse which was something I wasn’t used to. It felt competitive in a way that seemed almost unwelcoming. But when I took Legal Studies in Year 11, it solidified my decision to pursue law even with all of my concerns. And having my teachers, friends and family around me, pushed me to pursue something that I was actually passionate about.

What did you do whilst at secondary school to prepare for your chosen career pathway? (e.g. VCE subjects, expos, work experience)

I did a lot of research about different pathways I could potentially take within the field of law. I read about the profession, what different legal careers actually look like day-to-day, and what the path through law school involves. I spent time listening to people share their experiences online, which gave me a real picture beyond movies and tv shows. I also made a habit of asking my teachers questions, not just about the field but about the most suitable and realistic approach that they would recommend for me.

What advice do you have for other students who are interested in pursuing your career pathway?

If law is genuinely your passion, take the risk. Just because it is extremely competitive and demanding, that shouldn't deter you from trying to achieve your goal.