Q1) Looking back now, can you share some of your favourite memories of Concord that will always stay with you?

This question is tricky because Concord has given me numerous good memories, like walking at night with my friends and counting the number of couples we spotted (our record was 9 couples in just a 20-minute walk!); cycling up and down the hills on my bike outside Concord and rushing back to the prep room after netball practices so I could walk with Chloe-Nicole back to Taylor's. But what truly warmed my heart was witnessing the genuine enjoyment and camaraderie shared among my fellow Concordians. Those moments will stay with me forever.

Q2)  Is there anything you don’t miss?

To be honest, I don't find myself missing the academic aspect of my journey at Concord. Don't get me wrong, my teachers were incredibly supportive, and they never made me feel embarrassed about asking any questions, no matter how silly they may have seemed. However, GCSEs and A levels felt like a whole different game that I wasn't quite sure how to play it, so I stumbled quite a bit along the way.

Q3) Please share what you have been doing in the last 12 months!

• Overcoming setbacks:

Unlike a typical Concordian, who received top grades and secured offers from world’s top universities, I faced rejections from all the universities I applied to due to my academic results. It was a tough blow, and I spent many weeks feeling tormented by the setback. Luckily, my life has been filled with various challenging experiences that have equipped me with tools to overcome adversity. With determination of pursing my dream and the support from my friends and teachers (you know who you are), I managed to get an offer at the University of Adelaide’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

• Finding a career path:

To be honest, I did not know this career existed until Form 4. After injuring my left knee during a poor long jump landing, I sought medical help from my GP, only to be crushed by his lack of compassion and understanding. Feeling disheartened, I turned to the internet to find ways to help myself recover. It was during this search that I stumbled upon the incredible field of Physiotherapy. I was motivated to pursue Physiotherapy as a profession because I didn't want others to go through what I had experienced – a lack of support and compassion during a vulnerable time. Also, I've always enjoyed working behind the scenes, supporting others to shine on stage, metaphorically speaking. Physiotherapy offers me the perfect opportunity to do just that – helping people regain their physical abilities and perform at their best.

• The University of Adelaide:

Studying Physiotherapy at the University of Adelaide is one of the best things that happened, and I genuinely have been enjoying my life here. The University offers many free services, including writing consultations, counselling services, and even free meals on specific days. Not to mention, just like Concord, the staff here are very supportive and will go above and beyond to help students succeed.

There are numerous Uni clubs and societies that you can join as well, from sports clubs to societies representing different countries and faculties. There are a few special ones that I have never heard of until now, like the wine club, the Mechanical Keyboard Club and the Motorsport Team. As for me, I chose to focus on my passion for running and joined the Adelaide University Athletics Club. The trainings are well-structured with some very tough sessions but has definitely significantly enhanced my running abilities.

Another extracurricular activity worth mentioning is the Adelaide Graduate Award. Similar to DofE, it is a programme to gain recognition of the time you invest in self-development through volunteering, paid work and attending careers workshops. Participating in this program motivates me to step out of my comfort zone and actively seek work experiences. For example, I am currently volunteering as a Level 1 Sports Trainer in the Adelaide University Rugby Club, which is one of the coolest roles I’ve taken on. As part of my responsibilities, I have the opportunity to strap players to assist in injury prevention and run on the field to support injured players.

Q3) How is life at uni in Australia different to college at Concord and the UK? What were the biggest surprises?

Life at Uni and Concord is undeniably different in many ways, from managing my finances to developing my own life routines. However, one major shock I experienced was the learning style transition. At Concord, teachers guided us step-by-step through the curriculum, providing all the resources we needed. However, at Uni, most of the curriculum is self-study online, and we are often exposed to unfamiliar, complex concepts. This shift in responsibility forces me to take charge of my own learning and be more proactive in seeking knowledge.

Also, going through the online materials before attending face-to-face workshops is crucial to make the most out of the learning experience. Without doing so, students might struggle to complete the tasks in the interactive workshops and perform well in the weekly assessments. However, if you need further assistance, you can always attend revision seminars or ask the professors for guidance, so you are not alone in this process.

Q4) Would you recommend studying in Adelaide and can you offer advice to anyone thinking of doing this?

Studying in Adelaide has been an incredibly enjoyable experience for me. Although the city isn't as big as Sydney or Melbourne, it strikes a perfect balance between the bustling vibe of the central business district (CBD) and the serene landscapes that surround it. As an active person, I love the convenience of having beaches just a run away from the CBD, and the accessibility to explore nearby mountains by bike or bus. Adelaide also offers an array of facilities like high rope courses, conservational parks with native wildlife animals, and much more.

But I think the major benefits of studying here is its low cost of living. With free transportation within the city, as well as more affordable rent and food costs compared to other major Australian cities, managing finances becomes much easier. So, if you're a student seeking a mix of city life and relaxation, Adelaide is the place for you!

Q5) How do you manage your time studying and any extra-curricular activities – any top tips?

You have probably heard of many tips on juggling academics with extracurricular activities, like prioritisation, setting realistic goals, avoiding procrastination, learning to say no, and so forth. However, among all the obvious time management strategies, I think the best way is to experiment with the strategies and reflect on what works for you.

Finding the right balance is a process of trial and error, and you will hit a few bumps along the way. When that happens, take a step back and review your schedule. Identify the areas that need improvement and implement new strategies accordingly. Over time, you will discover the strategies that suit you best.

Q6) Why is it important to do extra-curricular activities as well as study?

While some people may prioritise academic studies over participating in extracurricular activities, I believe that both aspects hold equal importance in one's overall development. Undoubtedly, academic studies play a crucial role in opening doors to higher education and career opportunities. However, engaging in extracurricular activities is equally valuable as it allows individuals to explore their interests and develop essential skills applicable in various aspects of life.

Q7) Have you/are you doing any internships?  If so was it hard to find an internship? Where can students in Australia find out about internships that are available?

In my experience, getting paid jobs or internships hasn't been particularly difficult due to the helpful resources provided by my university. Students have access to a free online platform called CareerHub, where we can easily search for job opportunities, attend workshops, and even meet with employers. However, I've noticed that many of these opportunities require a significant time commitment and a higher level of education, which can be challenging for a first-year student like me. Nevertheless, I've found that volunteering offers a more flexible way to gain valuable experience.

• If you had an interview, what sort of questions were you asked ie. What is important to employers?

Interviews play a pivotal role in determining success in the application process. Apart from the standard questions about introducing myself and what I can bring to the company, I've encountered many scenario-based questions that assess my problem-solving abilities and how I handle challenges. Employers seem particularly interested in gauging my teamwork skills, alignment with the company's values, and how I manage conflicts and difficult situations.

Q8) This year’s 6:2s are now anxiously waiting for their A Level results. What advice do you have for them about starting uni or changing their plans when circumstances change?

I don’t like to give advice because everyone’s journey is different. However, I do have a few messages I would like to share.

• To those who have achieved the grades that you desire, fabulous! Your hard work has paid off, and now it's time to take a well-deserved break and look forward to the exciting new chapter awaiting you. But don’t forget, university is the start of the journey, not the end.
• To those who didn’t get the grades they hoped for and requires a change of plans, life has a funny way of surprising us, and sometimes the most fascinating stories emerge from unexpected turns. In the wise words of Helen Keller: "When one door closes, another opens." So, embrace all the challenges that lie ahead, and you’ll soon discover paths you never knew existed. 
• Last but not least, Concord has been a truly wonderful place, quietly preparing us all for the next stage of our lives. You might not realise it now, but the experiences, friendships and knowledge gained here will prove to be invaluable as you step into the unknown. Now, all you need to do is just spread your wings and fly!

Q) What else would you like to pass on to young Concordians?

Eat all those food and desserts and dive into all the fantastic activities the school has to offer. You might not realise it now, but these opportunities are precious, and they'll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Also, don’t be afraid to try everything that interests you, even if it means facing some challenges along the way. Embrace those moments when you hit a wall or two because that's how you grow and learn. And guess what? Concord's got your back even when you least expect it! So, soak up every moment, have fun, and take full advantage of this amazing journey at Concord. You'll look back on these days with a big smile, knowing you made the most of it all.