St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School graduate Lilia Bradley was shocked when she opened her ATAR results over the weekend.
She had been through a difficult year, battling anxiety and dealing with a huge family health emergency the day before her first ATAR exam, and said there had been a moment when she hadn’t believed she would even achieve her WA Certificate of Education.
So it was a relief when she logged on and discovered she had achieved an ATAR of 94.
“No way, seriously? Oh my God, you got it! Oh, my darling well done,” her mum can be heard saying from behind the camera. Her dad, standing behind her, is also clearly elated.
“Year 12 was probably the most challenging year of my life – personally and academically – and I’m very relieved that it’s over,” Lilia said.
“I wasn’t even going to check my actual result – I just went straight to literature to see if I achieved English competency.
“Somehow my eyes managed to pass over my score, and I honestly did not believe it. Because of how horrible my year was, I expected the worst.”
Lilia said her physics teacher, Mr Tyson had helped her through such a difficult year.
“I have a burning passion for physics – I liken it to being a detective, solving the universe’s mysteries,” she said.
“[Mr Tyson] was my strongest pillar of support, genuinely cared about me, and made each lesson fun with his great sense of humour.
“I would always say, ‘It might not be my best subject, but I’m passionate about it, and that’s what matters the most’.”
Lilia intends to move to Canberra at the end of January to study astronomy, astrophysics and science communications at the Australian National University.
“I had no time to enjoy my last year living with my family in my home city. I lost sleep, anxieties over ATAR plaguing me at night,” she said.
“My advice to everyone is to just enjoy your last year of school. I know it’s hard, but don’t let ATAR or marks consume you. Find time to do what you love, and spend time with people you love.
“A little slice of escapism for me was my fortnightly Dungeons and Dragons game. There are so many different pathways to university now in this growing, flexible world.”
Senuka Jayasekara, from All Saints’ College, was one of 18 students who received an ATAR of 99.95.
“I was in my room on Saturday afternoon when I noticed that my friends were discussing ATAR results. At the same time, my dad came rushing into my room telling me to log into TISC,” he said.
“I wasn’t sure how things would turn out, so I actually asked my dad to leave the room to feel more comfortable. Ironically, moments later I ran out of my room to tell my parents.
“My grandmother was also visiting from overseas, and it was a special moment to inform her of the good news.”
He said he was still digesting the news.
“I simply could not believe it,” Senuka said.
“I didn’t expect it at all, and I was only trying to do my best. I feel so grateful to my teachers, my friends, and my family. Without them, this would certainly never have been possible.”
He said there had been a point where he had been close to a burnout, and had taken some time to pursue his passions, such as music.
“This left me feeling motivated to keep going and helped increase my concentration. We are only human, after all, so it’s important to be reasonably kind to yourself,” Senuka said.
“I only got to where I am thanks to the kindness of so many people around me. Amidst all the turmoil that year 12 brings, please never forget to be kind to others.”
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