News 15 December 2021

VCE 2021 | Past Dux Students Share Advice

On the eve of the Class of 2021 receiving their VCE results, two of Fintona's past dux students shared some words of wisdom with graduating students via the Herald Sun.

Zoe Schwerkolt

Class of 2016

Zoe Schwerkolt, Class of 2016

After Year 12, I undertook a Bachelor of science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Mechatronics Systems, with concurrent Diplomas in mathematics and Computing.

I had no prior experience with computer science but switched a science elective from chemistry to computing in my first semester at university and haven’t looked back!

I have loved tutoring computing subjects at the university and have also just advanced to Director of the Australian Physics Olympiad program. Since graduating at the end of last year, I’ve been working full-time as a software developer for Groundfloor, a start-up smart parcel locker company, and I’m looking to undertake further study from next year.

My highlights from Year 12 definitely include the close friendships formed while tackling the difficult year together as a cohort. I was also lucky enough to travel to Hong Kong and then Switzerland for the Physics Olympiads, so they’re standouts too! To this year’s cohort of students about to receive their results, I would recommend not worrying too much about the numbers on the page – there are so many different pathways towards the same end goal, and you’ll likely change direction a number of times in your journey. I’d also advise against boxing yourself in, and instead suggest being open to trying new things – you never know what new passion you might find. Good luck.

Ellen Sampsonidis

Class of 2020

Ellen Sampsonidis, Class of 2020

As the Class of 2021 wait for their VCE results, I have taken this opportunity to reflect on my own time in Year 12 and the experiences I have embraced since leaving school. While challenging academically, Year 12 was an extremely rewarding year inundated with heartfelt memories alongside my friends and teachers. Along with my peers in Fintona’s Class of 2020, fond highlights include formal, camp, Valedictory as well as many house events such as House Music and House Cross Country.

Since graduating, I have continued my studies at The University of Melbourne, completing my first year in The Bachelor of Biomedicine and looking to study The Doctor of Dental Surgery postgraduate. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with medicine and research related coursework as well as breadth subjects in Accounting and Microeconomics. Concurrently, I have enjoyed making new friends and exploring the array of extra-curricular activities the university has to offer.

As the current Year 12s await their VCE results, they should look forward to the many opportunities facing them as they embark on life after school. Although this can be a stressful time, I encourage the Class of 2021 to find comfort in all the effort and commitment they’ve demonstrated throughout the last few years and be confident that their hard work will be reflected in their results. I sincerely wish them the best of luck for the next few weeks ahead and in their journey after graduating and beyond.