Where are they now?
In this issue we welcome our new Alumnae from the recently graduated class of 2024! As they start to navigate the world beyond high school we hope these interesting stories from our former Dux students will be enjoyable for all! Their reflections on how they incorporate the Serviam motto beyond their school years and into their everyday lives are inspiring.
1 YEAR ON…
Dux of 2023: Jacqueline Keir
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Ursula’s College?
I have so many fond memories of my time at St Ursula’s, many of which stem from spending time with my friends, especially at carnivals, camps and the Year 12 Retreat. I also really enjoyed being a part of Book Club and dressing up for Book Week each year.
What does Serviam mean to you and how has this motto contributed to your everyday life?
The Serviam motto reminds me of the importance of putting the needs of others ahead of my own. This year, I started volunteering with St John Ambulance and recently attended my first event as a first-aider for Georges River Council’s ‘Say No to Domestic Violence’ walk. It was a rewarding experience knowing that I was volunteering my time to assist others, whilst also supporting the wider community to raise awareness.
What are your greatest achievements since graduating from high school?
Since graduating from St Ursula’s College just over one year ago, I have been working as a medical receptionist at a medical centre during my gap year. This has enabled me to meet, work and make connections with a diverse range of people and has also reaffirmed my goal to become a doctor.
Do you have any words of advice for the Graduating class of 2024, who will be receiving this Alumnae magazine for the first time?
My advice to the Graduating Class of 2024 is to never, ever give up on pursuing their goals and chasing their dreams, regardless of the path they end up following. It’s important for them to always remember to strive to do their best, persevere through any challenges, and enjoy the journey. I sincerely wish the new graduates all the very best in their future endeavours.
5 YEARS ON…
Dux of 2019: Taylor Colligan
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Ursula’s College?
Despite all the HSC stress, I get so nostalgic thinking back to my time in high school. Not to sound cliché, but my fondest memories were truly the fun times spent with friends, goofing off in class. There were also several teachers whose support, guidance and mentorship extended beyond my studies and shaped me into the adult I am today. One of my fondest memories was my very last class on the final day of year 12, in which we transformed our math classroom with streamers and threw a surprise party for Mr Ratcliffe to thank him for all the fun times we had in math over the years.
What are your greatest achievements since graduating from high school?
If you had asked me 5 years ago, I’d have said my greatest achievement was being accepted into UNSW Medicine, as this had been my lifelong, seemingly unattainable dream. Though I thought it’d all be downhill from there, I’ve accomplished a few more things throughout my years in university. I achieved First Class Honours, received awards for my research, and am tutoring at uni. I am now preparing to enter my sixth (and final) year, after which I will graduate as a doctor (hoping to work in paediatrics). Outside of studies, I’ve worked as a high school tutor where I’ve helped over 50 students achieve amazing results, many of whom went to St Ursula’s! I’ve also been involved in leadership and uni societies.
What does Serviam mean to you and how has this motto contributed to your everyday life?
This is such a throwback… honestly it’s been years since I’ve reflected on the Ursuline values or the motto “Serviam.” Its key message however, to serve others, permeates through many aspects of my life as I always strive to place the needs of others above my own. By applying myself in my studies and hospital placements, I hope to provide exceptional medical care to patients and their families. Furthermore, in my role as a high school and university tutor, I take great joy in not only breaking down difficult concepts to facilitate understanding, but also in providing guidance and mentorship as students go through stressful chapters of their lives.
Do you have any words of advice for the Graduating class of 2024, who will be receiving this Alumnae magazine for the first time?
First of all, be proud of your achievements and for surviving all the adversities thrown at you in high school. As you move forward in life, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. In my experience, the first few years after high school is the time that you truly find yourself, mature, and gain confidence. But also, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to feel a little burnt out, as I did, after going through HSC (arguably one of the most stressful life experiences). Most importantly, be kind to yourself and be excited for what the future holds for you!
20 YEARS ON…
Dux of 2004: Amanda Zeidan
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Ursula’s College?
Lunchtimes spent laughing with friends, but I also have really fond memories of classes – particularly maths in year 11 and 12 with Mrs D’Angelo and science (chem and biology)
What does Serviam mean to you and how has this motto contributed to your everyday life?
To me, Serviam is about bringing your full self to everything you do, and contributing in a meaningful way wherever you can, be that family, community, work etc. Living by this motto means that I try to do my best to ‘show up’ for people that need me.
What are your greatest achievements since graduating from high school?
My greatest achievements are my 3 children! But I am happy that I’ve lived a full and varied life, lots of travel (the picture provided is taken in Barcelona on a family trip last year), time spent with family and interesting projects such as house renovations.
Do you have any words of advice for the Graduating class of 2024, who will be receiving this Alumnae magazine for the first time?
Enjoy this time, there is nothing quite like this ‘in between’ time when school is done and the next chapter hasn’t yet started, it’s the perfect combination of freedom and optimism!
