Clarence (Clara) Houle-O’Connor

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

Something that will always be a highlight of my time at St Catherine’s would be the success of the 2021 Rowing season. Winning the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta and the sprint at Nationals are some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I have developed a deep understanding of how hard work reaps the best rewards and how critical teamwork is in achieving the highest goals.  

 What co-curricular activities were you involved in?  

During my time at St Catherine’s, I participated in multiple GSV Sports and really enjoyed playing Tennis. I was also involved in the St Catherine’s Rowing Program for several years which was an amazing experience. I highly recommend continuing with Rowing as long as you can!  

What were your favourite subjects?  

My favourite subjects were Visual Communication and Design and Studio Arts. They were a much-needed escape from my other subjects, and I really enjoyed spending my spares working in the Art Room. I really recommend taking at least one creative subject, it will make all the difference during Year 12 and help maintain some balance by giving your mind a break from heavy content and strenuous subjects.  

 What do you plan to study post School?  

 I am not entirely sure what I want to do career wise. I know that I want to do something creative so I’m planning on doing a Design degree to hopefully find more direction.  

I know my interests lie in the architecture and building design fields, but I’d like to use my degree to experience the various aspects of design, and other fields, to really home in on what I want to do the most.  

 

  

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

In the next five years I hope to have finished my Design degree and hopefully find some gravitation towards a particular career. I would really like to travel to widen my perspectives and gain insight into the lives and ways of life of others, as I feel like this is critical in finding motivations to make a difference to the world.  

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

I really feel that the teachers at St Catherine’s are so deeply passionate about their areas, and they go above and beyond to accommodate the nuances of each student’s needs. Every one of my teachers has generously extended themselves to give me every opportunity for success, welcoming my ambitions with support and expertise.  

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

For me, the theme Emerge encouraged me to take on the difficulties of Year 12 and rise to these challenges to become a better version of myself, both academically and personally. It demonstrated the importance to grow and learn from my mistakes, to better myself and pursue personal growth to thrive as an individual.  

What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students?  

 There is so much I could say but I’ll keep it to a few main points.   

• You are never going to hear the end of the phrases “run your own race” and “Year 12 is different for everybody” but there is nothing more valid than this. 
• Actively work out what works for you and what doesn’t.
• There are going to be moments where you fall short of your expectations and you let yourself down, you need to be kind to yourself in these moments and utilise your support systems like teachers and friends who will help you. 
• You absolutely must look after yourself because you will perform better for it. Go to the gym or for a walk, make an actual effort to sleep well and focus on all of the things that make you feel good. It is this self-care that will ensure that when things get tough you have strength to overcome them.