Dux 2019
Elisabeth Yeo, Class of 2019
Our sincere congratulations go to Elisabeth Yeo, the Kilvington Grammar Dux for 2019.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself
A. My name is Lizzy, and I graduated from Kilvington in 2019. As a recent graduate from high school, I’ve found that the way I would describe myself would be a very curious and slightly lost young person currently studying Science at the University of Melbourne. I managed to secure a spot in a graduate degree package so I can pursue my ultimate goal; to become a vet! I’m very passionate about animal welfare and environmental issues, and so I hope to be able to make a tangible difference through my career in the future!
Q. What was the biggest highlight of your time at Kilvington?
A. Forming connections with my peers and teachers was an invaluable element of my time at Kilvington. Moving into the big, wide world of tertiary study and leaving the familiar environment of school has made me profoundly appreciative of the amazing students and teachers at Kilvington. To be around others who build you up, who care for you and who know you deeply; this is what we should each strive for. Kilvington provided me with countless opportunities to engage with the brilliant culture of kindness and sincerity that is innate within the school. What stands out to me now is undoubtedly the experience of being surrounded by friends during co-curricular activities, school events and in my leadership roles.
Q. What do you think it was that enabled you to achieve such a great result at School?
A. I believe that to succeed academically in VCE, one must approach their goals holistically. It wasn’t just the incredible, knowledgeable teachers and long hours of study that helped me get an ATAR I was proud of; in fact, it was a multi-faceted journey that was drawn out over a few years. Not until I felt comfortable socially, emotionally and physically could I begin to thrive in the academic sphere of VCE studies. Focusing completely on studying will not produce the best results. Rather, discovering the things that energise you and encourage you to persevere is the key to giving yourself the boost you need to knuckle down when you need to!
Q. What did you find most challenging and how did you deal with this?
A. Naturally, each new season of the VCE journey brings fresh challenges that require a different set of skills to deal with each time. Whilst it was an inevitability of the final years of school to face a revolving door of obstacles, it was immensely overwhelming to be constantly being bombarded with new difficulties just as I had resolved one. Dealing with this issue came with practice and the establishment of a good support network. I sought help from teachers and friends who always had my back, recent graduates who had helpful advice, and I tried to plan and study ahead of time. Ultimately, handling the constant waves of challenges will become easier once you equip yourself with tools to cope with stress as you experience it, and find ways to get ahead of the curve.
Q. Do you have any advice for students studying their VCE?
A. Take time to get to know yourself better. Allow yourself some distance on a regular basis to reflect and breathe; getting too caught up in the VCE game will only lead to an accumulation of stress and the dreaded feeling of being burnt out. Study effectively: short periods of time but often, that’s the arrangement that worked best for me. Plan out your time well and give yourself room for balance (including very directed, specific study period planning!) And lastly, savour it all. It will be over before you know it, which will be a relief … but you will look back on it all with fondness, so try and enjoy it, and be present.