Class of ’23: Yifei (Angela) Tang
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: Yifei (Angela) Tang
Class of 2023
What have been the highlights of your time at St Catherine’s?
The highlights of my time at St Catherine’s School have revolved around my passion for playing the guzheng. I am grateful for the numerous opportunities provided by the School that allowed me to showcase my skills in guzheng performances. The positive feedback and the encouragement and support from both teachers and students, became my driving force to continually strive for personal growth.
What co-curricular activities or clubs were you involved in? What did you learn from these?
My involvement in co-curricular activities at St Catherine’s School primarily centered on participation in choirs such as Viva Voci and Vox, along with GSV Badminton. Through these activities, I acquired not only enhanced singing skills and sports techniques but also valuable life lessons. The experiences provided opportunities to learn resilience in the face of failure and the development of effective collaboration skills within a team setting.
What were your favourite subjects?
Chemistry and Japanese were my favourite subjects. I love Japanese anime so I’m always passionate to learn and memorise all the new vocabulary and grammar patterns. It is always an interesting thing to learn more about chemistry.
Can you describe a significant academic achievement or project you’re proud of?
The significant academic achievement that I’m proud of is when I got third place in the JLTAV Speech in Year 10. I adjusted my speech script with Okumura Sensei so many times and I spent so much time practising pronunciation with Okumura sensei and videoing myself on speaking the speech. Therefore, I’m very proud of myself for overcoming all the difficulties that I’ve faced and I’m very happy that I received a positive result.
What do you plan to study post School?
I aspire to pursue further studies in a medical-related field. My profound interest in science subjects, particularly Biology and Chemistry, coupled with a genuine enjoyment in assisting others, has led me to consider a career in the medical field. Post-school, I am inclined towards enrolling in a medical field-related course, with the intention of establishing a fulfilling career in this domain.
Where do you hope to study?
My preference is to pursue my studies in Melbourne, as both Monash University and the University of Melbourne stand out as institutions that align with my academic preferences. Additionally, the prospect of remaining in Melbourne holds significance for me, as it would afford the opportunity to maintain connections with the valued friendships cultivated during my high school years.
How do you believe St Catherine’s and your teachers have helped you reach your goals?
St Catherine’s provides me with a strong academic foundation for my future academic pursuits. It also provides opportunities for me to practice the qualities of leadership, such as integrity, communication and empathy, which I think are necessary in my future university study and career. The teachers at St Catherine’s are a strong support for me, especially in Year 12 as a stressful year, they can always provide me with useful solutions and give me emotional support.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals after graduating from school?
As I’m passionate to help people, I’m planning to start a part-time job as a guzheng teaching assistant in the near future, which is in the field that I love. I believe that this experience would help me in gaining patience and enhance my communication skills and logics. For my long-term career, I would like to be involved in the medical field as my career.
What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students?
Don’t procrastinate, and don’t panic. Just do what you can do right now, you are great already.
