ALUMNI NEWS

Julie Elkin

Ourschool Alumni Program Coordinator

Year 12 Camp - Federation Uni, Ballarat

February 3, 2023

Everyone needs to find their own balance and their own pathway! This was highlighted in the messages delivered by the alumni who participated in a Q & A panel with the Year 12s at their residential camp held at Federation University, Ballarat. Thank you to Isabel Andrews (2021), Martin Salazar (2022), Mitch Woods (2020) and Komon Sochali (2017) for taking time out of their day to offer insights into Year 12 life and beyond. The panel spoke on various topics including how they managed their Year 12 study and ‘outside’ life, what they took on after finishing Year 12 and their ambitions for the future. The year 12 students and staff also contributed questions for the panel to answer. The College captains, Bailey, Mackenzie, Emily, Faith and James, passed on their thanks on behalf of the cohort.

Isabel Andrews 

Isabel was so motivated to be part of this panel again - she did it last year and loved it so much she was thrilled to be invited again. Her message was clear - set your goals and seize every opportunity! Isabel was lucky enough to move into her ‘dream job’ at the end of her Year 12 course. She completed an SBAT (School Based Apprenticeship Training) and, through this, was employed as an Education Support person in a primary school. She is loving the connections she is building with ‘her’ preppies! She was accepted into an Associate Degree at Deakin University in 2022 which she deferred, and now has to decide whether the timing is right for her to take up that course or continue with her job, which she loves. She mentioned that looking after yourself was a prime consideration - connect with the Wellbeing Team if you need, seek support from your peers and, in particular, your teachers. Her overwhelming feeling on finishing Year 12 was one of relief but acknowledged that it was a bitter-sweet moment - yay I’ve finished, oh dear, I’m on my own now! A final message from Isabel was to make the most of ALL opportunities that come your way.

Martin Salazar

Martin has not had much reflection time as he only graduated in 2022. However, he did impart a great message - be chilled, but be organised! Martin felt very strongly that the way you approach Year 12 is preparation for the years ahead. He tried to get ahead in all his classes, so that there was room for down time. He managed to keep up some competitive sport but stressed that it took organisation and diligence to be able to keep a healthy balance of study and life. He used a calendar to keep track of SACs and set goals for each subject. He also had an overall goal of wanting to do a gap with the Australian Defence Force. He’s been through all the interviews and has received a starting date for his training at Kapooka, NSW. Well done Martin!

Mitch Woods

Mitch has come full circle as he is now employed at NGSC as a laboratory technician. He reiterated the need to look after oneself in order to function at the highest level possible. He utilised Wellbeing on a consistent basis and found support from peers, teachers and family. He said how important it is to have someone to talk to. Mitch also began volunteering in a field that was linked to his interests and his studies. He has spent weekends at the Ballarat Wildlife Park and is now studying a Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science at Deakin. He is enjoying the new role and loves the challenges it is presenting.

Komon Sochali

Komon’s message was simple - everyone needs to work out their own balance. How many hours you study, how many hours you work, how many hours you dedicate to sport/hobbies - it’s up to you to discover what is the best combination for you. He did comment that he wished he had asked for more assistance at times, rather than pushing through on his own. Komon also stressed that it is OK to change your course. On leaving Year 12 Komon did a degree at Victoria University, catching the train up from Geelong each day. He currently works as a Personal Trainer at WynActive and is connected to the Geelong Kokoda Youth group. He trained Wendy, currently in Year 12, and also completed the walk with her last year. 

All the panel concurred that it was important to look after yourself, set goals and be organised. They also agreed that completing Year 12 was a great sense of achievement and something worthwhile working hard for!

Thanks to all the panellists. 

If you are an alumnus (past student) and have not reached out, please email Julie Elkin at alumni@ngsc.com.au or phone the College on 52405800.