Life at St Catherine’s: Gia (Sue) Nguyen
Class of 2023

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

My highlight at St Catherine’s was the Year 7 Rose Ceremony and the Year 12 Graduation Rose Ceremony, as it marks the beginning as well as the end of my St Catherine’s journey. It serves as a reminder of the relationships I’ve made along the way and the ties I have with the School. 

What co-curricular activities or clubs were you involved in? What did you learn from these?  

I was involved in Vox and GSV Badminton, these activities taught me the importance of leaving one’s comfort zone to experiment with new things. Through Vox I realised that I enjoyed singing with friends and expressing myself through music.   

What were your favourite subjects?  

My favourite subject was English in Year 12 as I enjoyed analysing and dissecting the wonderful texts chosen by St Catherine’s English Faculty.  

Can you describe a significant academic achievement or project you’re proud of?  

I am proud of myself for completing Units 3&4 Health and Human Development one year early as it allowed me to learn skills that prepared me for the workload of Year 12. Through the completion of Health, I felt ready to take on the challenges of my final year at St Catherine’s.  

How do you handle challenges or setbacks in your academic pursuits?  

When facing academic challenges, I seek out the aid of my teachers, who are always ready and willing to walk me through the challenges I face. With the help of my teachers, I am able to subdue the feeling of being overwhelmed which allows me to think clearly about the ways I can combat those challenges.     

What do you plan to study post School?  

I plan on studying a Bachelor of Science in order to launch my journey into the science research field.   

Where do you hope to study?  

I hope to study at the University of Melbourne.  

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

When reflecting on how St Catherine’s and my teachers have contributed to helping me reach my goals, I am filled with gratitude for the constant support and guidance they have provided. The teachers at St Catherine’s have been invaluable mentors. Their guidance, both academically and personally, has helped me navigate challenges and nurtured me through my high school experience.  
What are your short-term and long-term career goals after graduating from school?  

I hope to enter university after school ends to kickstart my future desire to work in the scientific research field.   

What skills or knowledge have you gained during your education that you believe will be valuable in your future career?  

The supportive and caring environment at School has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, take on leadership roles, and develop a strong send of self-confidence. The experiences and lessons I’ve gained at St Catherine’s have prepared me to face future challenges with confidence and instilled a sense of resilience in me that is instrumental in my pursuit of long-term goals.   

How do you envision using your education to make a positive impact on your community or society at large?  

I envision using my education to make a positive impact on my community and society by challenging the gender inequalities within the science field. St Catherine’s has played a crucial role in fostering my confidence and empowerment, which in turn empowers me to address the inequalities that persist in the realm of science.   

In 2023, the Year 12 theme was ‘Conquer.’ What does this mean to you?
‘Conquer’ means to embrace challenges, surmounting obstacles and seizing opportunities to achieve my goals and aspirations.    

What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students?  

Year 12 marks an important milestone, so it is crucial to savour each step of the journey and relish the moments as they unfold.