Class of ’23: Andrea Ting
As their time as students enters the final chapter, a number of our Class of 2023 reflect on their Life at St Catherine’s.
Life at St Catherine’s: Andrea Ting
Class of 2023
What co-curricular activities or clubs were you involved in? What did you learn from these?
I have been involved in Debating, Music, and Art through which I learned the value of maintaining and developing creative outlets. At times when I have felt most stressed from school, my co-curricular activities have always been there to support me and offer a helpful distraction from the pressures of the academic side of school.
What were your favourite subjects?
My favourite subject at St Catherine’s was by far Philosophy, under the guidance of Miss Kristy Forrest, whose class allowed me to discover my love for academia and writing.
Can you describe a significant academic achievement or project you’re proud of?
I am particularly proud that this year I have been able to study first-year Philosophy at the University of Melbourne through an extension program. This has allowed me to get a taste of studying at university while I complete my Year 12 studies.
How do you handle challenges or setbacks in your academic pursuits?
I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason, and that opportunities exist everywhere we look. This is a belief that countless teachers have instilled in me during my time at St Catherine’s. With the mindset that there are no challenges that are not also learning experiences, I have been taught to overcome the obstacles I have faced with the support of the wonderful teachers we are lucky to have guiding us through our academic journeys.
What do you plan to study post school?
Post-school, I intend to continue studying Philosophy, possibly under the Arts degree at the University of Melbourne, before pursuing post-graduate studies continuing in philosophical academia. I would like to teach at a university someday or write.
How do you believe St Catherine’s and your teachers have helped you reach your goals?
I believe at every turn at St Catherine’s, there have been teachers eager to care for and support us in feeling like capable young women, to whom no goal is ever out of reach. Without their constant support, guidance, and genuine care for our wellbeing, I specifically could never have believed that a career in academia was an attainable goal for myself. It is this unwavering commitment to the success of students which truly sets St Catherine’s apart.
What skills or knowledge have you gained during your education that you believe will be valuable in your future career?
The self-efficacy and other academic skills taught to me at St Catherine’s will continue to have an impact on my ability to write and speak eloquently. Through our School’s Debating Program specifically, I have been taught key communication skills in terms of how to best communicate my ideas clearly and succinctly. Studying Literature, History, Philosophy and English in my time at St Catherine’s has also taught me truly invaluable techniques when it comes to written communication.
In 2023, the Year 12 theme was ‘Conquer.’ What does this mean to you?
To me, it was incredibly fitting that our theme this year was Conquer. I feel that each one of us in the Class of 2023 has throughout this year been met with challenges and obstacles through which we have come together to navigate. Specifically in the final few weeks of school, we have conquered it all – the stresses of revision, the passing on of leadership to the Class of ’24, the inevitably of our saying goodbye to St Catherine’s. We have each conquered the insurmountable.
What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students?
I would stress the importance of taking Year 12, and really, life, in their stride. There will be times in Year 12 when the end does not seem near enough, but at the same time all too near – at times, everything will seem confusingly difficult to navigate. Altogether these moments are likely unavoidable, being prepared for them and being ready to accept them as they are, together, will be the key to getting through the final and hardest year of school, from which each girl will flourish.
