ALUMNI UPDATES
ENGAGEMENTS AND MARRIAGES
Christina Cuddon (Class of '11) became engaged to Luke Eiao in April 2021 (just before lockdown #4!). They were finally able to celebrate with family in December 2021.
Congratulations to Grace Schrader-Brown (Class of '13, WS) and Ryan Black who were married on 8th January 2022! The bridal party included Grace's sister, Claire Schrader-Brown (Class of '15).
CALL TO ACTION
Joseph Hoh (Class of '16, WS)
After graduating, I was blessed to be able to continue my passion for the Arts and went on to study Animation at Swinburne University.
I have just finished my 2D animated short film called, ‘Wonderfully Made’, which is a story based on Psalm 139:14 that celebrates the beauty of creation and the value of unique human life. This film is intended for children and aims to remind them (and all audiences of course) that despite any imperfections the world may perceive, they are wonderful the way God has made them.
In February this year, we launched a Kickstarter for this project and were so humbled to have reached our initial funding goal in less than 24 hours. The campaign concluded in mid-March having exceeded our funding goal and raising over $8,000. Now, we are looking to expand Wonderfully Made by reaching our stretch goal of $10,000 to write an illustrated children’s book based on the film, which we hope to bless many future children and families with.
Additionally, we are also looking to create a free resource in accompaniment to the film which includes devotions and questions for kids' churches, leaders, and parents to teach their children this wonderful part of scripture.
If you’d like to support us, we’d appreciate it if you could share our film, check out the kickstarter and order any of our merchandise where the funds will be used towards writing a children’s book. We truly believe God is going to speak through these creative pieces to his littlest people!
'ALUMNI APPRECIATION' INTERVIEW
We asked alumni graduate, Felicia Lau (nee Koh) (Class of '97, WS), about her journey and experiences since graduating from WCC!
What years did you attend Waverley Christian College?
I attended the College between 1994 to 1997 (Year 7 to Year 10 as there was no VCE at the time).
What or who motivated you at the College? What is your fondest memory of your years as a student?
I really enjoyed school because of the friends I made, many of whom I am still in touch with to this day – 25 years later! One WCC friend recently illustrated a social story for my daughter who was going into hospital. Another was the newborn photographer for both of my children (she also dobbed me in for this interview!). I worked with another one in Dandenong NICU as we are both in the healthcare field. Another recently put me in contact with her mum who was able to be a support worker for my daughter who has a disability. The list goes on and I’m so grateful that many years later, so many of my WCC friends are still important connections in my life.
I have way too many fond memories. Let me name a handful:
- Wrapping Bibles for Mr Suter to smuggle into China on his mission trips. I now realise how amazing it is that our teachers did so much more than teach us 'subjects'. They modelled the lives of the Great Commission.
- Weekly Thursday Chapel. Who could forget our tambourine dancing, worshipping God together and listening to different inspirational missionary speakers each week?
- School camp. All the bonding with friends, obstacle course challenges and pranks on teachers. One of the camps we went to didn’t serve meat which we seemed to have missed the memo on. That year, the teachers thought it was only fair if we all snuck out late in the night together from the campsite for some McDonald's burgers.
- Madly polishing our shoes every Monday morning in the bathrooms with wet tissue paper before assembly where Mr Sheahan and Miss Hussey came to check on them.
- Old fashioned values. The boys had to wait for all the girls to enter the classroom before they would walk in themselves. They also politely waited until every girl sat in their chair before they would sit down themselves.
What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced since leaving School?
I’ve had to burst my WCC bubble and realise that the world is very secular. Most things are stacked against you continuing your walk with Jesus.
In more recent times, it has been a challenge to witness the change in core and fundamental Christian values, beliefs and ethics. I am so grateful for the firm foundation I received as a child through WCC. I now realise how important it is to “renew my mind daily” and not to be “driven and tossed by the wind”.
What goals did you set yourself when you finished at WCC, and have you stuck to that plan?
Vocationally speaking, I wanted to become a doctor. At the end of Year 12, I studied a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. A few years later, I commenced my medical training at Monash University as a post-graduate student. So I guess you could say that I did stick to the plan, though it took longer than expected.
What drew you to your area of work or study this year, and what do you love about it?
It was just something that was always on my heart. I now value and see God moving through me in my family, friends and colleagues through being both a Physiotherapist and Medical Doctor.
I think in many ways the missional outlook and modelling that WCC provided grew a passion in me for work in developing settings. They used to call it the '10/40 window' at Chapel and school. I hope to bring my clinical skills into underdeveloped, lower-income communities, where I can further work in the marginalized or disability setting.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Let go, let God.
What excites you most about the future?
That God enables me and my opportunities are limitless. With God, all things are possible.
What advice do you have for current students?
Take time to memorise the scriptures that are given to you at school. I used to do that religiously because it gained House points (Go Gold!), but now I realise that it is so much more valuable than that. It will take you through life.
I still remember chunks of scripture I memorised 25 years ago as a student. One of my favourites which I’ve had to rely upon through the years is this (NKJ version was strictly compulsory at school back then!):
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. And let patience have its perfect work so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:1
Any additional comments?
It gives me so much joy that my children are now able to attend this very same school that I loved and cherished. I have a child in Prep and Grade 2 at WCC this year. Mr Sheahan also never ages – but you all knew that.
We asked alumni graduate, Clarence Cheah (Class of '21, WS), about his journey and experiences since graduating from WCC!
What years did you attend Waverley Christian College?
I attended the College from Year 2 to Year 12.
What or who motivated you at the College? What is your fondest memory of your years as a student?
It was definitely the teachers who motivated me. I was really close to my teachers back then, including the teacher supervisors and LEAPS Department, who were really supportive and always there to listen to my concerns. They are some of the nicest people on Earth - always looking out for all the students' wellbeing and safety. I would have struggled more without their support.
My fondest memories are going on special activities and excursions with my class. Due to Covid 19, unfortunately, we weren't able to do this much during 2020/2021, but I always enjoyed visiting new places. Some of my favourite events include camping and trying out fancy restaurants. One of the highlights had to be the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner which had a 'picnic' theme.
What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced since leaving School?
I think one of my biggest challenges was knowing the fact that I'm not in High School anymore and am now transitioning to University. It's a much bigger world outside your teen years, and once you finish High School, you're more independent as you step into adulthood. When I started University, I realised that it wasn't always going to be easy and it was much more complicated than the homework I had at school. High School provides a lot of support to students, fun activities and a lot of adventures with friends. It was daunting to break away from that and enter into a new realm of age. Well, it's all about growing up, but if I'm honest, I prefer staying in my youth since being an adult has a lot of responsibilities!
What goals did you set yourself when you finished at WCC, and have you stuck to that plan?
Some of my goals included staying in touch with the College, learning more about God and having a close connection with Him. Though it has been difficult to maintain some relationships during Covid times, I try to stay in touch with my teachers. I am slowly understanding more about God through reading the book, 'For the Love of God'. I find this a comforting read at the moment when I'm feeling stressed about my work/life balance - but, I'll get there!
What drew you to your area of work or study this year, and what do you love about it?
I'm undertaking a Double Degree (Bachelor of Science and Arts). For the Science component, I'm tapping into my Psychology learnings which helps me with social skills, understanding problems and a better way to diffuse conflict. For the Art component, I am developing skills in media presentation and creative writing. Hopefully, I will become an author or a writer of a show or movie, because I love to create stories. For me, it's not all about selling art, rather I want to create a story that can reach the hearts of many people around the world; sharing some of my own messages and spreading the Word of God.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
I believe that the best piece of advice is 'do not be afraid to get help' and 'always make sure that you have full concentration'. As you go through life, trust me, you will learn how to handle things on your own but you may also need support. For me, procrastination can be difficult to work through, but the end result of whatever you are working on will be worth it in the end.
What excites you most about the future?
I haven't thought too far into the future yet - I haven't got it "figured out" as I'm still navigating stepping into a whole new chapter of my life. However, what I'm really excited about is that I aim to connect with God more. Sure, life gets busy, but I want to prioritise time to connect with Him and know Him better.
What advice do you have for current students?
I would say try not to worry too much about what's on your plate; don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Keep your head up and remember that the pieces of your jigsaw puzzle will eventually fall into place. Be yourself - there is no one else that is like you. Keep on rocking, everyone!