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Fintona’s 2025 Dux, Jessica Leung, reflects on her school journey where friendships, teamwork and a supportive community inspired her personal endeavours and path to university. We congratulate her on this remarkable achievement and wish her every success in the future. Jessica scored an ATAR of 99.7 and we are incredibly proud of her for her achievements in the VCE and beyond, she made a significant contribution to Fintona and embodied the School motto in all that she did.
Can you share some highlights from your time at Fintona?
Rowing is something I’m so grateful to have experienced during my time at Fintona. Throughout the last rowing season, the squad – and especially my crew – felt much like family. Every session was filled with laughter, friendship and genuine teamwork, which I feel so lucky to have been a part of.
Another highlight is having shared my school journey with the same cohort for so many years and spending so much time together in Year 12. Sharing study periods, house events and final celebrations with this wonderful group made it a year filled with memories I’ll never forget.
Becoming Dux crowns a remarkable journey of achievements at Fintona – which one are you most proud of and why?
I’m really proud of how I progressed in Economics. At the start of the year, I stressed about having little background knowledge of the subject and often feared that I would never understand it. However, as final exams dawned and I reflected on the year, I realised how much I had learned. Where previously I hadn’t been able to relate when I heard my family discuss interest rate changes or government budget allocations, since taking Economics, I’ve been able to engage so much more. It’s also quite different to the more STEM-oriented subjects I’ve generally leant towards in school, so I’m proud of myself for trying something different and eventually enjoying it.
How have Fintona’s co-curricular activities, like drama, debating, music, or sport, shaped your personal development?
Participating in co-curricular activities has supported my personal development in two key ways. Firstly, my participation in Debaters’ Association of Victoria competitions strengthened my confidence in forming ideas and expressing them clearly to an audience. I’ve also met many inspiring people through these activities, learning a great deal from those around me. In particular, being part of various bands and orchestras has led to some of my most treasured and valuable friendships.
What does your next chapter after Fintona look like?
I’m excited to be beginning my Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine at Monash University this year. This has been a dream of mine since before high school. I’m looking forward to beginning the journey of becoming a doctor, while meeting a new group of people at university.
As Deputy Consul of the school, you were a strong role model for younger students. Do you have a special message for new students embarking on their Fintona journey?
To the new students starting at Fintona: take advantage of the many opportunities the School has to offer and always endeavour to try new things. It can sometimes seem daunting to try something new, but Fintona students are very supportive and never fail to lift each other up. You may just end up finding an activity that you love, or learn something new about yourself. Being part of the Fintona community is an amazing opportunity that promises to be really fun, and it will enable you to grow as a person – so make the most of it.
What practical tips would you offer Year 10 and 11 students as they prepare for VCE?
I think one of the most important aspects of VCE is consistency. Often – and particularly at the start of the year – the number of SACs and assessments can be overwhelming, but it’s so much easier to manage if you break up big tasks into small goals to work on.
Some advice about Latin I was lucky to receive was to revise one grammar construction at the start of the week. Consequently, after a few months, I felt a lot more confident in my Latin skills. It’s also important to be consistent in taking care of yourself so that you can do your best throughout the year. Finding activities to participate in between studying, such as playing music, doing sport or hanging out with friends can really help with this.
Finally, never stop believing in yourself. You can always do so much more than you think you’re capable of, so be confident in your abilities and I have no doubt that you will achieve great things in the years to come.
In what ways has Fintona’s motto ‘Do What You Do Well’ guided you throughout your school years?
To me, Age Quod Agis means to put your all into everything you do and support others to do the same. I think everyone at Fintona really embodies this spirit in the way they participate in activities or lift each other up – whether it’s helping each other study in the common room, cheering each other on in sports, or coming to watch each other’s performances. This environment helped me become fearless and confident in trying new things, and to achieve things I never would have done alone.
Seeing this motto every day at school also reminded me to persevere through challenges and strive to do my best, even when it’s not always easy.
Overall, I think it’s helped me become a more resilient and confident person. I’m really grateful to have been able to be part of such an inspiring school community.
