We took a moment recently to talk with some of our 2016 graduates about their time at MacKillop and what their plans are for life beyond school. Cherokee Lee, Rohan Webster, Claire Curtin and Issi Brookes returned to the College for a quick chat.
Work and travel was on the cards for these graduates, who have all decided to take this year to regroup before taking up further study opportunities. Rohan and Claire are both headed to UWA next year – Rohan in medicine and Claire in engineering, so they are enjoying a well-earned break from the books. Issi, on the other hand, is working three jobs, with a planned trip to Italy and Greece in July on her mind before going to Curtin next year to study nutrition and food science.
Asked to look back on their time here at the College, they spoke about friendships made and support from teachers, as well as the many extra-curricular experiences that made them grow and gain confidence. Cherokee, who came here from Year 10, remembered how quiet she was, and said that all the music performance opportunities “helped to bring out my full potential.”
“There are many awesome groups and events in addition to regular school that are great to involve yourself in” said Rohan, who wishes he’d had more time to pursue his music interests in Senior school. Claire also wishes she had been more involved in school events. “Don’t ignore the opportunities to learn other, equally important life skills just because you have to study,” she warns. Cherokee agrees. “Your grades don’t define your life.”
While they were all happy to have finished and pleased with their results, Rohan missed what he called “the community aspect”, while Claire admitted to missing the ‘regularity’ of school. “after school finishes, you won’t be seeing your friends six hours a day, five days a week,” she says, urging students to make the most of the College community as “something you may not appreciate until you have left.”
When asked how MacKillop has best prepared them for life beyond Year 12, Cherokee spoke about helping to create structure in her life, while Claire mentions developing a strong work ethic. For Rohan, service learning helped him to prepare for the community involvement he already sees as “part of life” outside school.
“MacKillop has taught me to show respect to everyone I meet, take every opportunity and make the most of it,” says Issi, “and to also be happy in whatever I may choose to do in my life.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.