Cate Blanchett declares school students ‘national heroes’ for navigating HSC through pandemic
Hollywood megastar Cate Blanchett has sent a message of hope to a group struggling during coronavirus, saying she’s in awe of their “monumental” achievement.
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Cate Blanchett has sent a message of hope to Australian Year 12 students who are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, saying she’s in awe of their “monumental” achievement.
The Oscar-winning actor said members of the class of 2020 have become “national heroes” for completing their schooling during a pandemic.
“I’m so full of admiration for what you’ve already achieved,” Blanchett said in a video message for the You Got This campaign.
“You have navigated your way though this exam period and in a pandemic. You are national heroes and you’ve got this.
“And you know what? If you feel like you haven’t got this then it is okay, it is okay to ask for help. Asking for help is one of the strongest things anyone can do. I do it all the time.”
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Blanchett said Year 12 is stressful “at the best of times” and added that the country knows what students sitting the HSC have been through this year.
“This country has your back, and these exams are not the end of things. They are not the final word, and they do not, they do not define you.”
Blanchett said when she left school she was “hell bent” on studying economics.
“I didn’t get into the course I wanted — and there was so much manoeuvring after the exam period. In fact, it turns out that life is full of manoeuvring.”
Blanchett said the students are now on the home stretch and urged them to “please remember one thing”.
“Be kind to yourself. Be kind. Simply getting to this place is a monumental achievement.
“Good luck, we’re all thinking of you.”
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Blanchett was speaking on behalf of You Got This, a campaign from Drink Wise delivering messages of support to the class of 2020.
You Got This found Year 12 student wellbeing had been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 48 per cent don’t feel good about what’s happening in their life
- 48 per cent don’t think they’re dealing with their problems well
- 41 per cent are worried about their own mental health.
- 65 per cent rated this year as more difficult than they expected
Simon Strahan, the CEO of DrinkWise, said 2020 has been a “difficult year for so many Australians and it’s been particularly tough for Year 12s.
“The final year of school can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during the disruption caused by COVID-19,” Mr Strahan said.
“We want to show Year 12s that they are supported and hope this initiative will help them stay positive, particularly as they go into their exams.”
“It‘s also important they remember that one year doesn’t define the rest of their lives and it’s critical that both students and their families who are feeling stressed or anxious know that help and support is available.”
“Trying to relieve stress or anxiety with drugs or alcohol is not the answer.”
Originally published as Cate Blanchett declares school students ‘national heroes’ for navigating HSC through pandemic