Where are they now?

Karina Castello – School Captain, Class of 2015

What are your memories of MSCW?

I have multiple many memories of MSCW, including the winter morning frost hovering over the back oval and Mr Hall playing the banjo at Heritage Day. Although, Year 12 left me with the nostalgia for making lifelong friendships, sports days, Japan exchange, canteen chocolate muffins, supportive and caring teachers and belonging to a close-knit community for six years. 

How do you think your experiences at MSCW helped you become the person you are today?

I have a happy history of experiences to look back on from my time at Marist Sion College. These memorable experiences link closely to the community of teachers and students that I was surrounded by. 

MSCW helped me to gain confidence in my abilities and to develop a healthy relationship with ‘failure’ or things not going to plan. Whilst year 12 left me motivated with some big goals, it also taught me to not take life too seriously. It taught me to be present, take opportunities outside of your planned pathways and be true to your personal values along the way. 

Was there anyone at MSCW who had a positive impact and on reflection, influenced you to follow the pathway you have chosen?

Mr Blackburn encouraged me to apply for School Captain 2015, whilst this may not have directly influenced me to take the pathway which I am following it was most definitely a turning point. Being a part of the leadership team during my final year at MSCW helped me to see the bigger picture, it helped me to positively change my mindset from being outcome driven to appreciating the experiences and people surrounding me along the way. 

This change in mindset has helped me to enjoy and get the most out of opportunities outside of MSCW.  

What did you do after leaving MSCW and where are you or what is your role now? 

After graduating from Marist Sion College, I studied a Bachelor of Business and Economics, majoring in Marketing/Management at Monash University. I moved to Melbourne at the beginning of my degree and worked two part time jobs during this time, one as a barista and the other as a customer service team member at Woolworths. 

I finished my degree in November 2019 and am currently working on Victoria’s Big Build Projects as a Stakeholder Relations and Communications Graduate at the Level Crossing Removal Project.

Greatest accomplishments and/or defining moments? 

Getting my job was a defining moment for me. The graduate application process is long and challenging however, it was also an extremely rewarding experience and helped me to understand more about myself and my strengths. 

What advice would you like to give any of our current MSCW students? 

Be open minded to all opportunities, industries, and pathways. If someone had asked me 5 years ago if I wanted to work in the construction & rail infrastructure industry, my answer would have most likely been no. 

Also, to be confident in your abilities, most of the time you will surprise yourself and despite the outcome you learn something from every experience which you can add to your toolkit. 

Anything else you would like to include (eg. future pathways plans)?

In the future, I plan to continue developing my skills and capabilities as a Stakeholder Relations and Communication Advisor and gain experience as an embedded member of the project team working on the construction sites of Victoria’s Big Build Projects.

Resource - MRPV Careers in Civil Construction