Student Voice

Alumni Interview - DUX 2018

Our 2018 DUX Felice Lok achieved a perfect study score of 50 in English Language and an ATAR score of 98.35. Felice is set to study Bachelor of Laws and Arts at Monash University this year. Felice shares how she remained focused while facing the challenges throughout year 12 and what her biggest take away from the year was and what her plans are for the future.

When did you start your studies at Doncaster Secondary College and what units did you undertake last year?

I started my studies at the college in Year 7 in 2013. Last year, I studied English Language, English, Math Methods, and Psychology. I also completed Chinese Second Language and Legal Studies during year 11.

Felice, how did you manage to stay focused and committed to your studies throughout your final year?

Undoubtedly, there were many times I lost motivation and the thought of studying was gruelling, but I kept reminding myself that working as hard as possible during the year would be so rewarding and accomplished at the end. I guess it was the anticipation for this sense of satisfaction and relief that really pushed me through. I was also surrounded by many highly-motivated and diligent classmates who inspired me to work as hard as them!

What are your immediate plans for this year, now that results are out?

I plan to begin my double degree of Bachelor of Laws and Arts next month at Monash University.

What process did you go through to make decisions about your future?

Planning for the future is definitely not easy, especially when you have little idea of what you want to become. For me, I tried to narrow down what fields I was interested in based on my subjects, which were predominantly liberal arts and decided what degrees encompassed that. I also attended some university seminars and open days, and asked Ms Ramsay many questions! Discussing with family and friends was also extremely helpful in seeing different perspectives towards my choices.

What has been your biggest take away from your final year?

As difficult as Year 12 may seem, I think the biggest take away is that there are so many people who are supporting you even when you feel alone in this marathon. Whether it be family, friends, classmates, or teachers, it’s a marathon where everyone is so willing to help each other. So I think reciprocating this support is really important because you never know how much your encouragement and genuine concern could mean for someone else.

When you think about how your life will look like in 5 – 10 years from now, what comes to mind?

Hopefully, in five years’ time, I will have successfully graduated and have been able to settle into a career worth waking up early for every day. Honestly, I’m not sure what this career will look like but perhaps one in the legal or diplomacy field. I also have many countries I want to visit with my family and friends, so hopefully, that will be possible then!

Last year, the 2018 College Annual Theme was ‘I Can, and I Will’, what did this mean for you?

‘I Can, and I Will’ echoes the saying, ‘where there is a will, there is a way.” I think this reflects determination and enthusiasm not only in learning but also in striving to overcome the inevitable obstacles of life when your mind is convinced that it can. I also think that it suggests the importance of confidence which essentially empowers us to achieve set goals.

Do you have any parting words or advice for students at Doncaster Secondary College?

Six years in high school seems like an eternity but it flies through in the blink of an eye. Seizing every possible opportunity that comes your way will make the entire experience much more memorable and fulfilling. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to set higher goals, learning new instruments, participating in the production, taking part in leadership activities and more will give the future “you” something worth reflecting on and feeling super thankful for.

Well done on your outstanding VCE results. We look forward to hearing about all you achieve in the future.

Chelsea Rohrlach

Marketing Communications