Results Prove Hard Work Pays Off
2016 Music Captain, Ruby Smith said her VCE results have been more useful in terms of what they mean to her, rather than what they can do for her.
“Instead of my results being a way for me to get into my dream course, they have instead proved to me that if I work hard I will achieve good results. Ultimately, my results are secondary to my performance in audition, but I’m still so happy to know that my hard work this year paid off, and that satisfaction alone is worth it,” explains Ruby.
Ruby has already received confirmation that she will receive a first-round offer to study a Bachelor of Music Performance at Melbourne University, her first preference.
“Music is such a major part of my life, and always has been, so it seemed only natural that I should continue what I love throughout university and (hopefully) the rest of my life. Ever since I was four and my parents played The Phantom of the Opera in the car on the way to kinder I’ve wanted to be an opera singer, and hopefully a BMus will help make this dream a reality!”
“St Catherine’s has, more than anything, taught me that doing what you enjoy is always the right choice. From Year 7, I was encouraged to take part in anything I was interested in – regardless of initial skill level – and to take subjects that I enjoy. This has definitely helped me believe that you can succeed in anything so long as you enjoy it, and this in turn has inspired me to take subjects that I genuinely love, and even to follow my dream to study Music.”
Ruby says the level of support provided by her teachers, particularly in Year 12, was phenomenal and instrumental in helping her achieve her best. Providing some advice to future VCE students, Ruby says “the most important thing is maintaining a balance between work and study. Working 24 hours a day is only going to make you ill. Knowing when to stop is crucial to maintaining health and avoiding burnout. Taking time to chill out, or catch up with friends, or just to sleep is definitely the best advice I could give – nothing is more important than your health.”
