Class of 2022: Madeline (Maddie) Powell

Madeline (Maddie) Powell 
2022 School Co-Captain 

  

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

Reflecting on my time at St Catherine’s, I would say that all the camps that I have been on are definitely a highlight! It was never so much about where we were going or what we did, rather, it was about spending quality time with all the girls in the Year level. Now that I am finishing my time at School, it’s these memories that I will carry with me – the long bus rides, the endless singing and all the laughs.  

What co-curricular activities were you involved in?  

I have participated in a range of GSV Sports, such as Tennis and Water Polo, and Public Speaking and Debating! Getting involved in these activities was a great way to become closer with girls in my Year level as well as other Years, and I’ve made some great memories…especially this year when my Debating Team got through to the Quarter Finals! 

What were your favourite subjects?  

I absolutely loved English because all of the classes were filled with such insightful discussion. Also, our Year 12 French class had incredible energy…it was one of my smaller classes, so we were able to help each other out and I’m really grateful for the friendships I made in this class! And I can’t talk about my favourite subjects without mentioning Accounting…I find it very therapeutic – when the numbers balance! 

What do you plan to study post School?  

I am hoping to study Commerce and also do a concurrent Diploma in French…but time will tell! 

What led you to selecting this career pathway? 

I selected this pathway because I am a big fan of my commerce-based subjects – Accounting and Business Management (which I did in Year 11).  

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

St Catherine’s has been the most nurturing and supportive environment, encouraging me to lean into my strengths, but also to not shy away from a challenge or something new! Thanks to this, I have tried a range of subjects, from Philosophy, to French and Politics, and now I feel so inspired to learn more. 

Where do you hope to study?  

The University of Melbourne. 

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

Maybe living overseas doing post-graduate study or working…It’s a bit daunting to think about what will be happening five years in the future, but also exciting to think about how much is possible! 

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

The teachers at St Catherine’s have been core to not only the achievement of my goals, but also to my development as a person. I will be forever grateful for their commitment, and the hours of time and advice that they have given me.  

Amidst the stress of Year 12, and exams, knowing that the teachers were always there for us, and believed in us when perhaps we didn’t even believe in ourselves, drove me to work harder.  

My incredible teachers also taught me to not be so hard on myself when I didn’t meet my goals. This helped me bounce back, get back to work and not be clouded by disappointment, understanding that things don’t always go your way…and that’s okay! 

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

When Angela and I chose this theme – within our roles as School Co-Captains-, we wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the journey, the process of things, the emergence!  

All too often I think we get caught up in the end result, and consequently we miss the incredible journey. So, to me, Emerge was about finding purpose in the journey, being mindful of the process, and not rushing to the finish line.  

What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students?  

Enjoy it because the year will genuinely fly by! Yes, there is lots of work and indeed lots of pressure but try to establish good habits at the start of the year and work consistently, so that when you get to the pointy end, you can truly enjoy your final moments together. 

 

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