Class of 2022: Arabella Llewelyn

Arabella Llewelyn, 2022 Student Executive

Student Profile – Arabella Llewelyn
Environment Captain, 2022 

 

What have been the highlights of your time at St Catherine’s? 

I have so many highlights that I could talk about, but I think the main one has been Year 12. 

The cohesion of our Year level, after two years separated due to COVID, was stronger than ever. We were all able to sit with each other at recess, lunch or during spares and bond over what we were all going through. I really enjoyed this part of my time at School because it was as if everyone was doing their best to get to know everyone in our Year level as the realisation set in that we only had a finite time at School left.  

What co-curricular activities were you involved in? 

Over my time at St Catherine’s, I participated in GSV Sprot nearly every year. This included Netball, Tennis, Soccer, Badminton, Rowing and Run Club.  

I was also involved in multiple Public Speaking competitions. Towards the end of my time at School I found my interest in sustainability and the health of the environment. This pushed me to join the Environment Club and in Year 12, become Environment Captain.  

What were your favourite subjects? 

My favourite subjects were English and Literature. 

What do you plan to study post School? 

I am planning to study Agriculture at The University of Melbourne.  

What led you to selecting this career pathway? 

I am extremely passionate about sustainability and all things environmentally friendly. Therefore, I would like to move into the sustainability industry in the hope that it will lead to something in fashion – perhaps tackling fast fashion or working with high-end fashion brands to become more environmentally aware. 

How has St Catherine’s assisted you in making your study and career choices? 

One event that led directly to my passion and thus, my career choices, was when Ms Jackson-McRae and the School organised for Dr Jane Goodall to speak at our School. The passion that Dr Goodall ignited in me about sustainability led to major lifestyle changes and eventuated with my application for the Environment Captain position. This position allowed me to put my passion into action and realise that this is what I want to do with my life.  

Where do you hope to study? 

I would love to be able to study at The University of Melbourne. 

What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? 

In five years’ time I see myself hopefully working for a business that shares the same interests and passions for the environment as I do.  

I hope that I have been lucky enough to have travelled some of the world and gained more experiences. 

I can see myself staying in touch with all of my St Catherine’s friends and hopefully coming back each year to help out with the annual Recycling Market that I helped to put in place as Environment Captain this year. 

How do you believe St Catherine’s and your teachers have helped you reach your goals? 

As St Catherine’s students, we are all so lucky to have access to not only the most beautiful school, but the people within it. 

I have become so close with all of my teachers over the past few years, as I grew to recognise how much work they all put in for my benefit, especially this year. I have been in awe of the amount of work some of my teachers have put in for me in order to help me succeed and reach my goals. 

I am so incredibly grateful that I had such an amazing support network of teachers and staff that would drop anything and help me, whether it be academic or personal.  

In 2022, the Year 12 theme was Emerge. What does this mean to you? 

To me, Emerge has two meanings.  

One, that captures the School moving out of COVID and into a life beyond isolations and remaining socially distanced from our loved ones.  

More specific to the Year 12s, I believe it also captures how we emerge from our school lives and into the big wide world. It is such a perfect metaphor that can be applied to any Year level, but it really showcases the journey of Year 12, as we develop from teenage girls to young women being thrown into the deep end that is life. 

What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students? 

Just know that everyone is there for you. No matter how big your concern is, just make sure you talk about whatever is making you stressed, anxious, scared, or excited! By talking about whatever is going on, you’ll probably find that whoever you confide in will tell you how they are feeling the exact same way, or – if you confide in a teacher – they will tell you that it is completely normal and that you’re not the first one to experience this. 

Also, enjoy the year! Like I said earlier, it was my favourite year of my school life, and it was because I made sure to make the most of it. It absolutely flies and I cannot believe I am already on the other side. So, sit tight and enjoy the ride, because even though it appears scary, it’s actually really fun.  

What do the School Values mean to you? How do you exhibit them? 

St Catherine’s helps you to become a person that can demonstrate each of these Values in your own way. 

I am so happy to be able to say that I have displayed Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance, Gratitude and Empathy at multiple stages of my school life. For example, I have definitely expressed a lot of Gratitude this year for my teachers and the time and resources they grace us all with. Also, to my friends for always being there for me throughout this tough year, and the School in general for nurturing me from Year 7 right through to Year 12, and for making me into the person I am today. 

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