Somerset College student Jason Zhang graduated with top secondary school marks

A Gold Coast student who graduated with the top secondary school mark from his school says there was just one thing which could have derailed his attempts to score an OP1.

A P-plate was all that stood between this high school graduate and an OP1 result.

New medical student Jason Zhang graduated with the top secondary school mark from Somerset College in December.

Now set to start at Monash University this week he admits the path to becoming a doctor hasn’t always been easy.

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Jason Zhang put in a lot of had work to get an OP1. Picture, John Gass

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“I would say the biggest distraction was when we all got our licence,” the 18-year-old said.

“Just when you are studying the hardest you possibly can you are handed a new sense of freedom — it was a big challenge to stay on track,” he said.

The top-ranking student thanked like-minded friends and dedicated teachers for helping him along the way.

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Jason Zhang. Picture, John Gass

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“Medicine has always been something that interests me, especially optometry — I think it can really change someone’s life.”

“I don’t think it is the school that impacts your learning, it is your relationship with the teachers.

“I have already been back to see some of them and say thanks.”