2016 Valete Top Achievers
2016 Dux and Proxime offer sage advice to current senior students .
Class of 2016 Dux , Mark Rothery
When I was in Year 7 , I listened to the Dux ' s speech and was motivated to be like him . I wanted that to be me , but my results didn ’ t reflect that until Year 11 , when I finally got motivated to put in the extra hours to achieve that result . I made a conscious decision to achieve my best .
In terms of subject choice , always choose passion . If you don ’ t choose subjects you enjoy , you won ’ t be willing to put the hours of study in . Choose something you are interested in and you will find yourself reading the topic for pleasure . While studying , I also participated in debating , which helped me use my brain in different ways and helped my essay writing skills . I did theatre sports as I like the improvisation and recovery of disasters on stage , and I also like to compete in online chess tournaments .
After year 12 , I ’ m heading to the USA with my family for a while , then I ’ ll be starting at Sydney University studying a Bachelor of Arts , Advanced Science . Ideally , I would like a career in Maths – potentially software development .
I also plan to continue serving . There is a parish in North Sydney that opens their gates to the homeless on Tuesdays , and I remember one night , a homeless man came with his chess board and challenged me – and he won ! I ’ d like to spend time with him , and maybe I will beat him at chess one day .
Try your best , be happy with your result and embrace the journey . Don ’ t do the HSC to get an ATAR , do the HSC to learn and have knowledge that will help you achieve throughout your life .
Class of 2016 Proxime Accessit , Max Mills
I began boarding at Riverview in Year 11 and this proved to be a turning point for me academically . Through the set study times , I found my results starting to improve , especially in the subjects I elected to study . I didn ’ t bother playing the scaling game , I just chose subjects I wanted to learn about . If you can see yourself coming home to do a few hours of study for that subject , you ’ ve made the right choice .
While studying , I still participated in cross country / athletics and orchestra . It was good to have commitments other than the HSC . I also loved to get out with the other boarders for a social game of touch footy or cricket , and the ultimate frizbee craze was a highlight for my year .
I ’ m heading to Thailand next , volunteering for a year with the Cardoner Project to teach English to teenagers just outside of Chiang Mai , which is a great way of giving back . When I return , I plan to go to Melbourne for University and undertake a Science degree , but to be honest , I haven ’ t even thought about what I want to do career wise . I ’ ll continue helping out at the Two Wolves and doing night shifts for Theresa House with my dad .
People always say how much they enjoyed school in hindsight , so take that on board . Keep everything in perspective and make sure you enjoy the moments along the way .
18 | IGNATIAN | JULY 2017