2 May 2024
Pathways to success: Carey’s Class of 2023 on where they are now (part one)
We asked a few of our Class of 2023 graduates to share what pathway they chose for their first year out of school. Read on to find out what they’re up to now and how they got there.
Amelie Nguyen
What are you doing now, post-Year 12?
This year I’m studying Design at the University of Melbourne and majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I hope to finish the Bachelor and then go on to do a Master of Engineering. When deciding on my course, I knew I would value a career where I didn’t have to sit at the desk all day and where I could create solutions and help people in a sustainable way. I hope engineering will be the perfect combination of hands-on problem solving and challenging physics!
How did you settle on Engineering as the right course for you?
I certainly felt a lot of confusion about what course to pick for this year. While art subjects were my main strength, I wasn’t interested in pursuing a career in that direction. The Career Practitioners were an amazing resource, as they educated me about different tertiary education options. I was also unsure about taking a gap year because I knew that I would feel most confident going into uni with my knowledge from Year 12 somewhat fresh in my mind.
You undertook multiple Art and Design subjects in Year 12 – why did you choose not to do it at uni?
While I was at Carey, I was able to explore a range of subjects and develop my interests. My teachers were always encouraging and helped me become confident in my subjects while still challenging me. I felt like I wasn’t pushed into a lane, and I had choice about what I wanted to do in the future. I still love art and am taking a creative breadth subject called Contemporary Art and Biomedicine and continue to make pottery outside of university.
Do you have any advice for current and future Year 12s?
While it seems like graduation is ages away, the year will really slip away so quickly! Enjoy every moment with your classmates and take on the opportunities and activities provided for Year 12s. It is also really important to make time for things other than study. Even during exam revision, I never sacrificed time for exercise. It’s essential for your mental health and productivity to have breaks. It’s a grind at times but just do your best, if you put in the work the results will show!
Christian Tsiavas
What are you up to this year?
This year, I’m back at Carey working as a Zero Program Assistant.
What was it like going from finishing Year 12 to returning just two months later as a staff member?
At first, working here took some getting used to. I found it challenging addressing my ex-teachers by their first name instead of their last.
What do you like about working at Carey?
My favourite thing about working at Carey is being able to stay within the community. I have often said that Carey has the best sense of community and is filled with really caring and friendly individuals. I already knew during Year 12 that once I finished up as a student I wanted to work at Carey in any sort of field so I could continue to build and improve old and new relationships.
What do you hope to do next year and beyond? Or are you not sure yet?
I hope to attend my first year of university. I got into a Bachelor of Business at RMIT, which is a course I'm very passionate about.
What was a highlight of Year 12?
My highlight of Year 12 and probably one of my favourite high school memories was Valedictory night. The entire cohort came together at St Paul's Cathedral, where we sat with our mentor groups and mentor leaders for the very last time. Post-service, we all walked over to Centrepiece at Melbourne Park, next to Rod Laver Arena. We met up with our parents and had dinner together. Jonathan Walter and a few other Heads of the School acknowledged our year level for one of the last times, which was then followed by a live band where everyone, including some of the parents got up and danced. Overall, it was a really special night spent with great people.
Do you have any advice for current and future Year 12s?
Take advantage of the post-grad opportunities that are presented to you.
Joseph Klotz
What have you been doing since finishing Year 12?
I am currently studying a double degree of Property and Real Estate/Law at Deakin University. During my schooling life I had discussions with the Career Practitioners at Carey as well as an external counsellor, all of which guided my decision making around what I wanted to do post-Year 12.
Did you face any challenges to get there?
School was not always my strong suit. I knew I always had potential to flourish but never really tapped into it. Between Years 7 and 11, I was constantly in and out of teachers’, Heads of House’s and Principals’ offices for various wrongdoings that contributed to discussions around possible expulsion or moving schools. Fortunately, I turned it around in Year 12, finishing with a result that pleased everyone involved.
How did Carey help you at the time?
Although I may not have liked it, I now realise the impact of the immense support that was offered by teachers and other leaders at the school. Without them I would have continued my poor ways and ended with a result that reflected it. Moreover, sport at Carey was something that I had used to escape the stresses of academics. Having participated in Cricket, Football and Athletics at Carey, I was able to find friends and connect with them to ensure school was a more enjoyable experience.
What was a highlight of Year 12?
The feeling of finishing my last exam is unmatched and a real highlight of my life. Doing so with my closest mates is also something I do not take for granted, especially now that we don’t see each other as often. Another highlight would have to be winning games of cricket. Again, the feeling of joy and triumph shared with my best friends is unrivalled.
Any advice for Year 12s?
Enjoy it. You will hear this so many times over the year, but it is a point that I cannot stress enough. As touched on above, spending five days a week, plus sport on a Saturday, with your best mates is something that will never happen in your life again. So, make the most of it while you can. Another point you will hear a fair few times over the year is that the result does not matter as much as you think. While this may not sound reasonable as you pour hours of work into a SAC or the exams, it’s true. Your ATAR is just a number. So enjoy yourself and the rest will fall into place.
Keep an eye out in next month’s newsletter for more stories from the Class of 2023!
Kelly Southworth
Content Developer, Community Engagement
