Gold Coast’s highest achieving Year 12 students from 2022 reveal their future plans
From future doctors and vets to scientists and engineers the class of 2022 have huge aspirations. Meet the Year 12 duxes from Gold Coast state high schools.
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They were leaders in their school communities – now these outstanding young people are preparing to be leaders of the future in their chosen fields.
The Gold Coast Bulletin, in conjunction with the Gold Coast Secondary Principals’ Alliance, today showcases Gold Coast’s Year 12 state high school duxes from 2022.
From future doctors and vets to scientists and engineers, many of the class of 2022 are setting high career goals.
They also share their advice to this year’s Year 12s.
NISHAY BHIKHA, BENOWA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics
At which university?
University of Queensland
We spoke with some of Nishay’s school colleagues…
“Nishay really enjoyed his time at Benowa because he was able to diversify so much with his subjects. Whilst he was very interested in Math and Science subjects, he also studied Literature and English Extension and also completed a Diploma of Business. His dream job is to work in investment banking.”
BREE LEWIS, COOMBABAH STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Civil Engineering
At which university?
University of Queensland
Why did you choose to study this?
I like mathematics and decided that engineering is the course for me as it maths orientated.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Work and study hard but make sure to enjoy Year 12 and have fun.
ELLIE DE KLERK, ELANORA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Paramedicine
At which university?
Edith Cowan University in Western Australia
Why did you choose to study this?
It is something I have always been interested in and I have a passion for helping people and a keen interest in the medical industry.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
School has shown me how to weigh up study options and how to balance study with everything else going on in life.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Take your time with everything. Don’t over stress yourself. Make time to do the things you love in life!
ALISHA HEMMINGS, HELENSVALE STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Medical Imaging with Honours
At which university?
Queensland University of Technology
Why did you choose to study this?
I’ve always wanted to go into something in the health field, but as I developed my own interests further, I became more interested in subjects such as Physics and Maths. When I learnt about medical imaging, I found it to be an extremely interesting topic that married both my interest in Physics and my goals to work in the health field. It also looked really cool.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
My teachers really worked to fuel my curiosity, whether it be my Physics teacher allowing me to find my own topics for research investigations or my Maths teachers posing us seemingly impossible problems that made finding a solution that much more rewarding. They were able to keep my interest peaked whilst always being supportive if I was having trouble, which really helped improved my problem-solving skills which are necessary for my future.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
It’s super cliché, but Year 12 really does fly by too fast. Enjoy every last moment you have with your friends, because through all the celebrating and the stressing they will be the ones by your side.
SOPHIE PAGE, MERRIMAC STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Biomedicine
At which university?
The University of Melbourne
Why did you choose to study this?
It is my passion.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
Letting go of the expectations of others and following my own desires.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Never lose your passion.
KAYLA KOMROWSKI, NERANG STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture)
At which university?
Queensland Institute of Technology
Why did you choose to study this?
I have chosen to study Interior Architecture as I have held a passion for it since I was a child. I love the critical thinking behind structure, how design influences the world and the physical and digital model making components. I would love to make an impact on the interior design community in my future.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
My school provided many opportunities to extend my learning and discover what we were passionate about. The teachers were supportive of my choices during the year and were always willing to be there to prepare us for life outside of school.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Year 12s, make sure you enjoy every moment. Time is going to fly. Make memories and have fun, but don’t forget to learn too.
JESSICA STUPPLES, ORMEAU WOODS STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Mathematics /Science
At which university?
University of Queensland
Why did you choose to study this?
Because I love to learn and to also explore and solve the big questions.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
It has encouraged me to really push myself in everything I do and to always aim high.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.
ARMAAN SINGH, PACIFIC PINES STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying? I am hoping to get into either the Bachelor of Medical Science or the Bachelor of Paramedicine. From there, I wish to progress into the Doctor of Medicine. If all goes well, I would like to specialise in a field like cardiothoracic surgery.
At which university?
I am going to be attending Griffith University. The Gold Coast campus is the perfect location to study; it’s only a short drive down the highway, situated right next to the public hospital (perfect for an aspiring med student). It also offers excellent facilities and scholarship opportunities.
Why did you choose to study this?
The field of medicine has always piqued my interest. The many professions within it all have a variety of unique challenges that you have to face, whether it be deducing a diagnosis or intricately manoeuvring a scalpel. I am confident I would never lose passion for helping so many people and working in such a stimulating environment.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen pathway?
All of the teachers at my school have been excellent, imbuing skills into me that I didn’t even realise. Of course, my biology, chemistry and psychology teachers taught some of the basics needed in medicine, but they also showed me how interconnected life is. Concepts from all three subjects would interlace and take my understanding to new levels, giving me a greater appreciation for the complexity of living organisms. My maths teachers gave me the tenacity to keep pushing through a problem, and my English teachers helped me to explain how I got the solution. And so, to all those at my school who have helped me along my journey thus far; thank you.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
If you have a goal, completely invest yourself into getting there. Remind yourself each day what it is you’re working towards and keep chasing that dream. At the same time, however, don’t let the wick burn dry. Life has many unexpected turns, so it’s imperative to keep enough fuel in the tank to be prepared for when things don’t go your way. It can be a tricky balance, so try to find your footing as soon as possible.
JAKE MATSUSHITA, PALM BEACH – CURRUMBIN STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
I will be studying the Bachelor of Humanities (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours).
At which university?
The University of Queensland.
Why did you choose to study this?
I’ve always aspired to work in a career which helps disadvantaged Australians on a societal/systematic level. I’m not completely sure of what my career path will look like, but the dual degree of Law and Humanities will definitely prepare me to chase my dream – possibly in the political or judicial sectors.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen pathway?
At PBC I had the privilege of being taught by incredible teachers who all supported me and my aspirations. In particular, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Hill were massive parts of why I have been offered the ‘UQ Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship’. Ms. Reid went above and beyond to organise academic extra-curriculars which developed my ability to reason and communicate with others on important, contentious topics. Mr. Hage helped me figure out how I learn best, Ms. Chalmers made sure that I understood my worth outside of academic results and Mr. Russell made complex scientific concepts easy to understand. All in all, I’d say that PBC prepared me exceptionally well to enter tertiary study and the real world.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Practice gratitude for what you are lucky to have - and reach out for help if you need it. Also, don’t feel pressured to get a high ATAR. There are always alternate pathways to your desired career path – ATAR is not the be-all-end-all it is made out to be when you start Year 12!
ALLIZAYE LABAN, PIMPAMA STATE SECONDARY COLLEGE
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management/Bachelor of Business
At which university?
Griffith University
Why did you choose to study this?
I really want to interact with people from other countries and cultures, that is my passion.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
They set me up well, I received an early entry offer, I really didn’t need my ATAR. Being able to study Chinese was definitely an advantage.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Put your health first that’s the most important and try your hardest in your internal assessments.
ELLEN IM, QUEENSLAND ACADEMY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES
What will you be studying?
Doctor of Medicine Program
At which university?
The University of Queensland
Why did you choose to study this?
Growing up in a family where my parents were both dentists, I was always inspired to work as a medical practitioner. However, I realised as a medical doctor, my scope of practice could be much broader and could create a more direct impact on people’s lives.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
QAHS provides the IB curriculum, which includes very advanced biology and Chemistry syllabi, that has prepared me for the rigours of a medical degree. In addition, the school offered abundant resources and state-of-the-art lab environment which helped me to become a self-driven researcher and inquirer. Lastly, being surrounded by academically driven peers and teachers who care about your success motivated me to become who I am today.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s? Within the duration less than 300 days, you can make such a big difference in your life during and after school. After that, no matter how much you regret not working hard enough and wish you could go back and do better, you can’t. So make the most out of it, Year 12 goes by in a flash.
DECLAN RUEDIGER, ROBINA STATE HIGH SCHOOL
We spoke with some of Declan’s family and school colleagues…
“Declan has chosen to spend the next two years volunteering as a Service Missionary in New Zealand. Upon returning he will pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science ( Coding).
Declan was a high achieving student across a number of areas within our school.
He was not only successful academically, but also an excellent sportsmen (runner up age-champion for Cross country); supported the school’s Sustainbulls club and was active member of the BUHMUN (Bonds model United Nations conference) where he was part of the winning school team in 2022.”
GANESH SAI AKSHAY KONUDULA, SOUTHPORT STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
A Bachelor of Medical Studies at Bond University
Why? I’m interested in helping people.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path? My teachers always expected me to do my best and inspired me to do well.
Any advice for incoming Year 12s?
Work hard, have good ways to relax. Enjoy your last year of your schooling life.
TABATHA BOTT, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN STATE HIGH SCHOOL
What will you be studying?
I will be studying chemical engineering, mathematics and earth science as part of the dual degree in engineering and science in 2023.
At which university?
University of Queensland
Why did you choose to study this?
I chose to study engineering and science at UQ because I have always had a big passion in doing everything I can to help reduce the impacts of global warming and curb the growing climate crises. My dream is to become a meteorologist; helping to identify our rapidly changing climate and weather patterns to help save those affected by natural disasters, but also to design renewable resources to finally stop Australia’s reliance on coal. Climate justice is a major aspect of my goals in the future, and I am excited to use my skills from engineering, and science to do so.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
Tamborine Mountain State High School really helped to guide me in the right direction for success in my chosen field. Not only did the chosen subjects that I completed inspire me to choose meteorology and climate action, (the passionate teachings of my language study teacher opened my eyes to the global destruction of our world; Chemistry and Specialist maths showing me the fascinating capabilities of patterns and designing process to benefit our environment), but also the school itself. Set in a rainforest, the proximity to nature really encouraged me to fight for the safety of the environment. I am extremely fortunate to go to a school that was so involved in global thinking, and taking care of the environment around us, and I believe undoubtedly that it inspired and prepared me for engineering and science research in my future.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
The advice that I would give to future Year 12 students would be to not compare yourself, or your abilities to others; just do the best that you can do with your time, and not let the stress of senior year take away from some of the best moments of your life. Whilst I believe that setting aside time for studying, and revision is crucial, caring for your mental, physical and emotional health is also very important. Remember to do the things, passions and hobbies that you love, for only when you calm your mind and believe in yourself can you do great things.
ETHAN BRYSON, VARSITY COLLEGE
What will you be studying?
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
At which university?
The University of Queensland
Why did you choose to study this?
I have been a volunteer Wildcare carer since 2020 and want to pursue a career as a wildlife vet, working in a wildlife hospital.
How do you think your school has prepared you for your chosen career path?
Varsity has given me the opportunities to engage in external interests including public speaking, STEM competitions and as School Captain, I gained important interpersonal relationship and networking skills. Teachers were supportive and encouraging and had a vested interest in my success.
Any advice for this year’s incoming Year 12s?
Balance. Other than regular study and revision throughout the year, seniors need to make sure that they spend time with friends and family getting outside and having fun.
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