Where are they now? Part 3

Post school journey

After high school, I attended Medical School at Bond University where I graduated in 2016.

In 2019 I was accepted into specialty training for Emergency Medicine. I am currently working as an Emergency Registrar at the Gold Coast University Hospital, home to Australia’s busiest emergency department.

I met my partner during medical school – she and I are celebrating having just bought a house.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

Working in emergency medicine is a team sport. Playing in the CCGS Firsts netball and basketball teams gave me some of the teamwork and communication skills I use today.

Just like on the court, my team needs a shared mental model and needs to be able to communicate efficiently to anticipate each other’s moves. Beyond academic knowledge, cocurricular like sport gave me the teamwork and communication skills vital to where I am now.

Proudest moment post school

Early in 2020, as COVID-19 numbers began to rise, working in ED became just a little bit scarier. Friends with significant comorbidities got transferred out to non-clinical areas. We had to prepare for a wave of patients, and we were worried that not only would we get overrun but that some of us might get sick. Arguments would emerge around who should intubate potential positive patients. The senior specialists would argue they were the most experienced, so they should do it. Those of us who are younger argued we should do it, as we were less likely to die if we caught the virus.

We ran simulation after simulation to practice our new procedures. We sweated in plastic gowns and N95s while resuscitating critically unwell patients, shouting through walkie-talkies to try and communicate what we needed to be brought into the negative pressure room.

Despite all the anxiety COVID produced, it felt like we were in it together, and we didn’t want to let each other down. While the adrenaline and fear has dissipated over time, I’m so incredibly proud of how my team stepped up and continues to adapt to meet this ongoing challenge.

Advice to your Year 12 self

I would tell myself to try to stop and appreciate the journey along the way. High school is something to be enjoyed, not conquered. Work hard, but remember to have fun!

Post school journey

I’m pretty lucky to be living my literal dream as the host of triple j Breakfast, co-hosting my podcast ‘God Is Dead’, doing live comedy when we’re not in a pandemic, and making content with whatever time I’ve got left.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

This might be a niche answer, but I think hosting assemblies and doing speeches in school might’ve actually been slowly preparing me for my future career.

Proudest moment post school

Getting my first overnight shift at triple j was huge - I’d been working at it forever.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Trust yourself! If, in your gut, you don’t think you’d be truly happy being a lawyer or engineer, then chances are you’re not going to be happy doing that. In Year 12 it feels like everyone in your life has an opinion on the best way to do things. You’ll hear different things from your parents, extended family, friends and other students on the internet. You don’t have to take every single piece of advice from every single one of those sources.

Post school journey

After school I completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Laws at Bond University. Since graduating, I have worked at Wesfarmers, notably in their Industrials portfolio. I have had a number of roles across mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and corporate strategy - I currently run the Strategy Team for one of the Wesfarmers businesses.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

Being Head Prefect at school gave me invaluable insights into working autonomously. It is a role that can be as large or as small as the holder likes, and getting an early experience of what each end of the effort scale feels like has really set me up. My line of work and the environments I have worked in are all wholly autonomous, and I am grateful to have had a warm start to what is a very different kind of work.

Proudest moment post school

Building a team and ensuring no stand downs throughout COVID is something I am particularly proud of.

Advice to your Year 12 self

There's no rush, for anything.

Post school journey

After finishing at CCGS, I was accepted into the University of Newcastle to study a Bachelor of Medicine. I completed this degree and now work as a doctor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. I am currently training to become a specialist Neurologist, and am lucky enough to be completing my physician training in a hospital with a Neurology service that is known as one of the strongest in Australia and has international recognition for its work in stroke, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. In addition to clinical medicine, I also am actively engaged in medical education, research and leadership.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

It would be very hard to pick one in particular. During my time at CCGS, I had the opportunity to participate in the exchange program and found my passion for the brain whilst studying a psychology subject and my desire to care for people through our volunteering opportunities. I think the culmination of the broad range of curricular and extracurricular activities I was able to experience at CCGS, from studying extension subjects, team sports, school productions, music ensembles, debating and international trips, equipped me with the communication and interpersonal skills as well as the learning tools I needed to become a good doctor. However, the main experience that most prepared me would be the incredible teachers. There were so many, but now nearly a decade after graduating from CCGS, I still feel that Mrs Vernon-Elliot and Mr Cooper were teachers who empowered me in a way that has positively changed my life forever, and I will always be grateful.

Proudest moment post school

In my final year of medical school, I was the Vice President of the Australian Medical Students' Association, an organisation representing 17000 medical students with over 500 volunteers. Within that role, I oversaw all of the internal activities of the volunteers of the organisation, and am most proud of the impact of the sustainable initiatives that were implemented in my tenure, such as creating a preventative mental health campaign, an education academy for non-curriculum based health passions like climate change and LGBTIQ health care, mentoring programs and hosting the largest student-run events internationally (pre-COVID!)

Advice to your Year 12 self

You shouldn't expect to have a plan for your life mapped out, often the opportunities that arise that aren't "in the plan" can be the best things to happen to you.

Post school journey

I studied a Bachelor of Advanced Science at the University of Sydney, majoring in chemistry and physics. I spent 18 months working at the National Measurement Institute, where I developed screening protocols for performance-enhancing drugs in preparation for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. I studied for a period at Nanjing University in China, as well as at Monash University and the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne.

After spending time in rural NSW, I began focusing on developing renewable energy, sustainable processing, and ways to transition Australia to a carbon-neutral economy. To continue this work, I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, working in the School of Chemistry’s Functional Energy Materials division. My research concerns engineering different types of battery materials and solar panels, making them more efficient, more recyclable, and more widely accessible for Australia’s rural farming communities.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

I was very privileged with the opportunities CCGS offered me, and I wanted to try everything I could. A lot of those experiences sculpted what I now do every day.

I participated in the humanitarian tour to Cambodia, now I volunteer in remote communities doing farm work. I first started Debating and Public Speaking for Acacia in the house competition, and now I present my research work to large international audiences of experts at conferences. I first learned the importance of teamwork by playing Rugby Union and Cricket for CCGS, now I lead my own research projects and collaborations with other academics all around the world.

Although I never realised it at the time, the opportunities offered at CCGS gave me the chance to develop the skills and values I would rely on later in life.

Proudest moment post school

This year, I have been given the opportunity to present our research group’s latest work on batteries and sustainability at a variety of conferences, including at Auckland in New Zealand, and Prague in the Czech Republic. In Prague, I was the youngest and most junior researcher presenting their work, which allowed me to meet and network with some incredibly influential people.

Last year, I was named an Australian Fulbright Future Now Scholar. This award aims to assist young professionals by partnering them with the world’s leading experts in their field. As a result, I am currently preparing myself to spend eight months in Paris and New York to work on projects concerning the safe storage of nuclear waste and to continue our development of battery materials. This is a tremendous opportunity that will allow our research group to work at the forefront of renewable energy technology.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Take every opportunity that comes your way to get out of your comfort zone. That way, you’re constantly investing in your own skills and attributes. Having unique skills will help in pursuing the work you’re passionate about.

Post school journey

I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) followed by a Juris Doctor at the University of Sydney.

I am currently working at a law firm that specialises in native title, Aboriginal land rights and corporate governance.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

Classroom debates with my peers and teachers which taught me to always think about the other side of an argument, and playing soccer taught me the value of a good team and how to take on people bigger than me.

Proudest moment post school

Receiving a government scholarship to study human rights law in Nepal.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Stress less and swim in the ocean more!

Post school journey

After finishing school, I undertook a Bachelor of Political, Economic, and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney. This combined a variety of disciplines, including Government and International Relations, Political Economy, and Sociology. I was also able to follow my passion for languages by studying German. I graduated in September 2020.

Currently, I am undertaking a Juris Doctor, the postgraduate equivalent to the Bachelor of Law, at the University of Sydney. Studying law has been a welcome challenge that complements the broad theoretical knowledge I gained through my undergraduate studies.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

Debating and Public Speaking at CCGS provided me with critical thinking skills and the ability to clearly and concisely articulate an argument. These have proven invaluable during my studies.

Proudest moment post school

My proudest moment so far would probably be completing my undergraduate studies and being accepted to study Law at the University of Sydney.

Advice to your Year 12 self

There are many different paths that you may take, and it is important to be open to change. When I finished high school, I didn't think I would study law. However, I am so glad that I decided to go down this path. It has been challenging, but rewarding and has allowed me to reassess what I would like to do after university.

Post school journey

After I graduated from Year 12 in 2016, I made the decision to move to Canberra to study a double degree in Law (Honours) and International Security Studies at ANU. Living on ANU Campus is definitely a highlight of my time at University and a great way to make friends when moving interstate. I am currently in the final year of my degree and work part-time as a contractor to the Commonwealth Treasury.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

Being involved in Debating and Public Speaking at CCGS probably gave me some of the most important skills I use today. Being able to articulate my ideas in a succinct and persuasive manner is a skill I use every day, whether it be in social or professional contexts.

Another highlight was going on exchange to Canada in Year 10. Going somewhere completely new, and having to make new friends and support networks was a challenge that I learnt a lot from. This experience definitely prepared me for moving away to go to university and learning to put myself out there in new environments.

Proudest moment post school

Although it hasn't been too long since I left CCGS, I am proud of how I have managed the transition in workload to full-time university and working part-time. The workload can get stressful, especially leading up to exams, and I have developed some productive strategies to be able to manage my time effectively. I will also be really proud when I graduate from university at the end of the year.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Follow your own path. It can be challenging, particularly in High School, to make decisions without being influenced by what those around you are doing. While it is important to listen to the advice given by friends, family and mentors, it is essential that you make decisions based on your own interests and goals.

Post school journey

Straight after completing my Year 12 studies at CCGS, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) to become a high school Mathematics and PDHPE teacher. I completed four years of study full-time at the University of Newcastle, having recently graduated.

Alongside completing my studies, I have competed in the sports of Surf Life Saving and Kayaking on the international stage.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

My experiences throughout Year 12 at CCGS taught me a lot and prepared me very well for my experiences over the last few years. I learned a lot about time management, and the benefits of working hard to achieve my goals and made many great friendships.

Proudest moment post school

The proudest moment from my post school life would be being selected for the Australian Open Surf Life Saving and Kayak Team. I have been fortunate to have been given many opportunities through sports, and hope to continue with my future aspirations.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Make the most of every opportunity. I made many wonderful memories in high school, most of which were made by saying yes to whatever opportunity arose.

Post school journey

Following school I went straight into studying a Bachelor of Interior Architecture combined with a double degree in Creative Intelligence and Innovation at UTS. I'm now 20 years old, in my final semester of Undergraduate Interior Architecture, and am planning to commence my Masters of Architecture in 2023.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

The experience and opportunity of travelling to Cambodia in 2017 with CCGS has instilled in me and reinforced a great deal of empathy, compassion and the urge to give back to the world. This has influenced and prepared me for where I am today, as I am always reminded in my job to ask myself what I can do for others, rather than what others can do for me. 

Proudest moment post school

Having the opportunity to work with the United Nations to design an interior fit-out for their Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in New York City.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Keep an open mind about your future and trust and back yourself in whatever path you choose to take in life!

Post school journey

After school I took 6 months off with plans for a gap year filled with work and overseas travel which changed unexpectedly due to the pandemic. Instead, I started university and am currently in my second year of a Bachelor of International Relations and Science at the Australian National University. I also have a job that I love at BentSpoke, a local craft Brewery.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

The CCGS exchange program was one of the most valuable experiences that I had, which taught me to be an independent and confident young adult. I was extremely fortunate to have been able to travel to Germany in 2017 for three months, which sparked my love of learning languages, gave me the opportunity to see part of the world I had never seen before, and improved my independence and self-confidence, as I had to learn to support myself away from home and meet new people every day.

Proudest moment post school

I am really proud to have overcome the disappointment of losing my job due to COVID and having to cancel my plans to travel overseas during my gap year by starting university, as I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to move out of home to Canberra.

Advice to your Year 12 self

To enjoy the routine and structure while it lasts, and to know that whatever you decide to do after school will probably work out just fine, learning to adapt to change and be more flexible is a good thing!

Post school journey

I have spent the past two years studying a double degree in International Relations and Design at the Australian National University in Canberra. I can confidently say that my decision to move to ANU was the best choice I could have possibly made at the end of my high school career, which is a statement I am so lucky to be able to make.

The CCGS experience that most prepared you for where you are now

There were plenty of experiences I was lucky enough to have at CCGS that set me up incredibly well for life after school – I could point to international exchange, sport, production, and more. However, if I had to distil everything down to one takeaway, I would say that getting involved and simply saying ‘yes’ to every available opportunity is the best thing you can do for yourself. Moving on campus at university has thrown me into the deep end in so many ways, and I have been exposed to more personality types, beliefs, lifestyles, hobbies, etcetera, than I could have ever imagined. Having the enthusiasm and confidence to get involved wherever I can have taught me so much about who I am and how much more I can learn.

Proudest moment post school

I am immensely proud of the network of wonderful people I have built around me since moving away. Due to the recent lockdowns, I haven’t been able to visit home in over six months, which might not seem too drastic, but it’s also the longest time I have ever spent away. This has made me realise just how much I value the relationships and support systems I have developed over the past two years, having moved to Canberra not knowing a single person to currently being surrounded by people I would consider family.

Advice to your Year 12 self

Unfortunately, this piece of advice falls slightly short during this era of COVID-19. It’s hard to get involved when the national situation is quite literally not allowing you to. The only thing I can suggest is for us to try and not let the circumstances dull our enthusiasm, so we can channel it into great things when freedoms do start to open back up again.