High Achievers Assembly

MCC 2023 Dux - Jess Moraschi

Jess Moraschi - Speech

Growing up, my dad would always say to me, “As long as you work hard, you’ll go far” 

I heard this again and again. Every time I would come home and be disappointed about a mark, every time I would rant about how I felt behind in the journey that is the HSC. I was met with the same response each and every time.

“Just work hard, and you will be okay… nobody can ever take that away from you.”

Good morning Dr Ludicke, Mrs Segrave, stuff, students, past students, and families. To say that I am honored to be standing before you all today, along with my peers, would be an understatement. To share some academic, and philosophical advice. But most importantly, to express my immense gratitude. 

Some valuable English lessons from Mr Herb came to me as I was writing this speech, as written in bold size 24 font on the top my document along with “don’t waffle”, was “avoid every cliché possible”. But I found that within saying that, a cliché is a cliché for a reason. It makes sense. We can relate to them. It’s a shared human experience. So in light of appreciating the often overlooked power of clichés, I encourage you to see your HSC year as a lesson. A lesson which does not dictate who you are, but helps to build who you are.

You see, Year 12 doesn’t help you just find out more about yourself for the purpose of performing in the HSC, it helps you find out more about yourself for life. 

Late nights spent bettering essay writing skills can also help you learn how to best time manage and find the times at which you are most productive, something that will aid you during university or work. 

Putting time into Studying your subjects doesn’t merely help you achieve a higher band, but it can unleash a passion you didn’t know you had, something that might help you decide your future career. 

I wish I remembered this when I thought of my exams as a mirror. One which reflected who I was. See the HSC as an opportunity to gain insight into what you're capable of, but not the only thing you're capable of. It’s an opportunity to see how much you can grow, an opportunity to develop lifelong skills. Not a test to dictate your self worth. 

Although words could never come close to expressing my thanks to the many hard working people in this room, I still owe it to you to try. 

It wasn’t until I saw, and experienced the hours of time and care put in by my teachers, that I truly understood the true definition of dedication. I will forever be in awe of not only your willingness, but desire to bring out the very best in me. I want to give a particular thanks to my mentor Mr Herb, and my year coordinators Miss Davis, and Miss Savage, who at many times felt like my greatest allies, I thank you. 

To my incredible parents who graciously put up with me. My pillars of support, the smartest and most selfless people I know. Your constant, affirming presence truly got me through to the end. I will forever be driven to become even close to being the people you are. 

To my peers, and friends. Some of my fondest memories will forever be our hours spent in class and in the library. 

The way we motivated each other through sincere words of support will remain with me as a prime example of the vitality of friendship during times such as these. I am so beyond proud of every one of you, I cannot wait to see all of you achieve even more great things. 

For anyone still awake I would like to share some tips for getting the best out of yourself for the HSC 

Start early. The HSC doesn’t start a month out from your exams. Try and complete your summaries, study notes, evidence and example tables all throughout the year. That way, when it comes to your exam prep, you're not  gathering and learning information, instead you're a step ahead, simply recalling what you already know. 

Take things into your own hands. Read articles, watch videos, find alternative perspectives to those explored in class, go that extra mile outside of the classroom.

Have fun. Be sure to ground yourself and stay present, don’t deprive yourself of making memories in your final year of schooling. 

Your peers aren’t your enemy, and while healthy competition is okay, the memories and friendships that come out of supporting and helping each other through this shared experience, will ultimately be far more fulfilling.

Lastly, and most importantly, always have a Why. What is it that continues to drive you to push forward when your motivation is low. For me, it was to beat my brother's ATAR. 

And yes Taine, I just managed to. 

If I can leave you with anything, is it this. 

Hard work will never fail. 

It can only teach us lessons that we didn’t know we needed. 

I encourage you to aim as high as you can, but never forget that it is your work ethic, and diligence during this time is the true mirror which reflects who you are, not the number at the end. You are how you treat people, and you are how you treat yourself.

I want to say a huge good luck to every student here in whichever direction they choose to take, work hard at what you love, work hard at your passions. Thank you. 

Jess