LESSONS about oneself

BY MANAN LUTHRA

With Year 12 now done and dusted, you’ve probably had the opportunity to look back at it all. What did you learn about yourself?

Ashna Sahi: I learnt a lot about my capacity to remain resilient during demanding times and stay focused rather than giving up. I learnt about how important it is to keep motivated by setting myself a goal that I could work towards all throughout the year, which offered me a reason to study harder and learn from my mistakes. Year 12 solidified the strengths and interests I have developed and now I hope to continue to pursue them within my future studies.

Veer Benepal: I learnt the importance of perseverance to succeed in achieving your goals. Applying to the USA for College whilst juggling the HSC, I quickly realised the inevitable feeling of pressure when striving for all-round success in academics, leadership and extra-curricular activities. Nonetheless, I learnt that if you are determined in the pursuit of your goals and resilient when challenges arise, coupled with strong planning, prioritisation and execution, you can achieve what you hope for.

Arushi Senchaudhuri: Year 12 was truly eye-opening for me as I began to really understand who I am as an individual. I learnt how much I value resilience and always strive to do my best in every situation. I realised that I am a very emotional person having had more than a few meltdowns in the past year, however I also discovered that I bounce back just as quickly from certain low moments to keep pushing through.

ASHNA SAHI (HSC)

ATAR: 97.60

Subjects: English Advanced, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Maths Advanced, Modern History, Design and Technology and Visual Arts

Results/Special Awards: All Rounders Achievers List 2022, Distinguished Achiever 2022 School: Kambala

BY SUHAYLA SHARIF

VEER BENEPAL (HSC)

ATAR: 99.45

Subjects: English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Economics, Drama, Business Studies, Modern History

Results/Special Awards: HSC AllRounder Achiever List, UNSW Finance & Banking Co-op Scholarship, The University of Sydney Business School Change Maker Scholarship, The King's School Broughton Scholarship for Exceptional Academic Excellence, HSC Drama OnSTAGE Nomination (x2): Individual Performance, Group Performance, 3rd Place (Bronze Medal) at the National Da Vinci Decathlon, Tiger Global Case Competition: 3rd Place in Oceania, Top 15 worldwide out of 1200 teams. School: The King’s School

Prabhas Grandhi: Year 12 taught me that simple organisation of my time was all I needed to stop procrastination. By simply setting up a calendar and holding myself accountable to reach my own deadlines, I felt a lot more control over my own time and learnt that I could be the determined person I wanted to be if I simply planned things in advance.

Rohan Keshava: I got to learn the extent to which people can succeed if they are motivated to be industrious and to put in the necessary effort, whether in sport, music, chess, debating, academics etc. I got to see this both from my own experiences and by watching the inspirational journeys my friends went on as they capitalised on their unique finalyear experiences.

Jai Kimatrai: As someone with a room that perpetually looks like a nuclear warzone, I realised that under stress, I really do care about “getting organised.” I would plan my day in my head and set my own imaginary due dates for homework to prevent procrastination. I had never done this before. Ultimately, I still prefer doing things at the impulse, but at least I experienced the other end of the spectrum.

Ananya Vasudeva: I learned that I’m very quick to doubt myself and my ability, but honestly, found that just giving 100% to whatever it is you are doing is always going to help you.

Manas Gupta: I learnt that I was able to remain calm under pressure and in fact work better in the tightest of circumstances. While this may be a redeemable quality, I was happier to notice that I regularly revised my course content and worked hard throughout the year, rather than leaving everything to the last minute.

Dheeraj Thadani: I learnt resilience in all its forms. Year 12 started with the loss of my hero and confidant, a man who loved me more than life itself, my Nana. In the same week I was elected school captain. I perhaps didn’t have the chance to grieve as I was faced with the challenge of leading a student body returning to the classroom after extensive lockdowns. I realised the importance of balance and managing my time effectively to fit in some time for myself to de-stress. I also learned that a good leader delegates when necessary, and while being a perfectionist is my modus operandi I learnt that there are some things I can let go of and it will be alright.

What moments from 2022 do you remember most fondly?

Ashna: I remember our year cohort becoming closer each time of exams, specifically our final external exams. Rather than being competitive we took it upon ourselves to work together to get through a very challenging time which largely attests to my cohort’s successful results. Graduation was a time we were able to celebrate the many years and memories we all had together. I also most fondly look upon the time of completing my English Extension 2 Major Work podcast that explored my experiences as an Indian Australian woman, by drawing upon epics such as The Mahabharata

Veer: Leading over 150 student cadets as Commander of Alpha Company in The King’s School Cadet Corps through the Annual Ceremonial Parade represented a culminating moment of the several fond years I spent as a young army cadet, trekking up mountains or charging through the mud obstacle course. Another highlight was a full-school debate I organised as The King’s School Debating captain - it was truly exhilarating seeing a huge crowd tune into a debate and deliver war cries as loud as they would in a sporting stadium, to support my teammates and I in our school’s 1sts team.

Arushi: The best moments would definitely be the ones that I shared with my family and friends. And it wasn't even the grand scale events like formal and valedictory (although these were absolutely amazing and so much fun). It was the little moments where my friends and I would chat away during free periods and laugh at the silliest things everytime

ARUSHI SENCHAUDHURI (VCE)

ATAR: 99.85

Subjects: Chemistry, Maths Methods, Further Maths, Specialist Maths, Physics, English Language

Results/Special Awards: Future STEM Innovators Award by the Australian Defence Force, The Practical Science Award, Chemistry Dux, School Dux School: The Mac. Robertson Girls High School we met up. It was the little things my family did to keep me motivated – like literally dragging me out to the beach the day before exams started.

Prabhas: By far the most fun I had was during Physics classes. The class was very hands-on with experiments and most of my classmates were good friends - a perfect recipe for disaster!

Rohan: Year 12 brought many novel opportunities. I particularly enjoyed the chances I got within the music department to take up leadership roles, such as being

PRABHAS GRANDHI (VCE)

ATAR: 99.35

Subjects: English, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Results/Special Awards: Academic Excellence Awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022, Academic Excellence in Physics and Mathematical Methods. School: Suzanne Cory High School the soloist of a piano concerto with the school orchestra, and being able to give back to the school by serving as music captain.

Ananya: All the sports carnivals (last ones ever!!), getting my trials marks back and being shocked, happy, disappointed - an emotional smoothie. Formal and graduation, of course - seeing everyone all dressed up and just genuinely letting the moment sink in ending the year on such a good note.

Manas: I will cherish Leavers Assembly forever! Our last day of school had an indelible atmosphere that simply cannot be put into words. The final moments where the entire cohort rejoiced in a 200-strong huddle, singing our school song and chanting the school’s motto was a powerful display of camaraderie, and was simultaneously emotional and breathtaking!

Dheeraj: My role as school captain allowed me to help ignite a sense of belonging and friendship, making a positive difference to the lives of other young people. Every aspect of my captaincy role brought me joy and satisfaction. I felt I made a lasting impact to my College by helping to inspire future student leaders. The other moments which stand out include meeting Members of Parliament and Premier Perrottet in my role as school captain, as well as attending official engagements to represent my school. Receiving an early entry offer to my preferred degree from 3 Universities under their Leaders and Achievers Program was another highlight.

What is one change you’d make to your state’s ATAR system?

Ashna: The ranking system. In ranking students, appointing them to a number based on their academic results, the ATAR system simply fails to account for the numerous other qualities, values, and successes of a student. Rather it deems them to a number that only enhances competition between peers and doesn’t celebrate the many other talents of a student.

Jai: I was genuinely shocked at how creative my year group was on our last mufti day. All on the same day, I saw yellow minions, sultans, prisoners, Walter White, Julius Caesar and even a Minecraft “steve” with a speaker attached to his head playing the soundtrack. It wascomforting to know that brutal study actually hadn’tvaporised our brains.

Veer: Accompanying the ATAR with a self-submitted resume, would provide a better assessment of our schooling. It will ensure a more well-rounded university admission selection process. This will incentivise students to explore and further their passions, inevitably making school more enjoyable and fascinating.

Arushi: Put less weight on that one exam at the end, and value the hard work students put in throughout the year more. Prabhas: School Assessed Coursework (SACs) at all schools should be changed to standardised tests made and marked by VCAA so that everyone is assessed fairly.

Rohan: NESA has continued to amend the ATAR system, and I hope that they continue striving to perfect a just and equitable ranking system.

Jai: UAC should openly clarify the calculation process. I don’t know anyone who truly understands how it all works. They say the exams are scaled according to difficulty, but they don’t seem to say what that really means. Students should be able to easily understand something that decides their next few years.

Ananya: Honestly speaking, I loved how your ATAR/HSC mark is made up of 50% school marks and 50% from the actual exam because this allows students to pace themselves throughout the year rather than having a complete meltdown at the end due to high stakes.

Manas: Put greater emphasis on academic enrichment and research-based courses to nurture the curiosity that comes with learning a subject.

Dheeraj: The scaling system is unnecessarily convoluted.

How did you use social media, like TikTok and Instagram? Did you ever see any education or study-based content?

Ashna: I saw a lot of study-based content on social media but didn’t engage with these very often. I trusted the study skills and techniques that I had always used and the content that my teachers had taught me. Rather, I used these platforms to communicate with my friends about questions more relevant to the subjects we were studying. Social media also served as a break away from studies.

Veer: Social media is a great way to connect with friends, be it group chats about hobbies and schoolwork or to relax or enjoy leisure time. It provides a much needed and refreshing escape but, of course, should be used in moderation. There are a range of helpful social media pages that offer study tips that I utilised.

Arushi: Scrolling through Instagram Reels was relaxingfor me. I often came across study-based content such as notetaking and memorisation tips as well as 'study with me' time lapses.

Prabhas: I used social media to destress and connect with my friends. YouTube and Instagram can also be a great place to pick up new learning styles and techniques. YouTube was awesome to learn content from, as well as watch the experiences of many others who have also

ROHAN KESHAVA (HSC)

ATAR: 99.95

Subjects: Latin Continuers, Latin Extension, French Continuers, Maths Ex 2, Maths Ex 1, English Advanced, Chemistry School: Sydney Grammar School been through VCE. Short-form content on Instagram Reels and TikTok was helpful in learning quick study hacks.

Rohan: Instagram became very useful to stay in touch with friends during lockdown and organise things to do based on our eclectic interests to break the monotony of online school.

Jai: I mainly used Instagram for necessary communication with friends. Group chats often switched from relaxing playground banter to a sort of support group, in which we helped each other with homework questions or clear up our misconceptions. As Richard Feynman said: “If you want to master something, teach it.” I think Instagram caught onto my studies. I saw loads of science memes, cool math problems and entire lessons on my explore page.

ANANYA VASUDEVA (HSC)

ATAR: 94.07

Subjects: English Advanced, Maths Standard 2, PDHPE, Economics, Biology Results/Special Awards: Macquarie leaders and achievers award, Band 6 in Maths and PDHPE, High band 5s in English Economics and Biology School: Cheltenham Girls High School you’re going to waste time on Instagram, at least try to get something out of it”. So I made sure to follow mainstream media pages along with businesses that I was studying. That way each morning I saw content which was practical and related to my course work in Economics, Business Studies and PDHPE. I also used Instagram to connect with friends in other schools who experienced similar challenges, and we were able to help each other out by sharing study tips.

What extra-curricular activities, hobbies, or TV shows helped you through the past two years?

Ashna: Music helped me a lot throughout the past two years by serving as a break away from my studies. I was part of many choirs and orchestras that allowed me to not only make new friends and participate in numerous performances but take my mind away from studying. Alongside this, I was also Advocacy Prefect within my last two years of school which sparked my interest in community service and volunteering.

Ananya: Tiktok was soo helpful!! I learned many hacks and tips eg study habits. Others sharing their experience of the HSC helped make the whole process feel way less intimidating. It was also a great way to take short breaks after long, gruelling study sessions.

Manas: I used Instagram intermittently through the year as a form of stress relief, taking my mind off the neverending stream of essays, exercises, and assessments. I used YouTube to learn how to prioritise my time efficiently, drawing upon the advice of fellow Year 12s.

Dheeraj: Online streaming services were a practical way for me to stay sane and helped short circuit the craziness of a busy week. My Business Studies teacher’s advice to us was to “Surround yourself with what’s relevant to your subjects. If

Veer: As President of The Business & Investment Club, it was amazing being able to explore my passions for finance, negotiation, business analytics and sales and inspire younger students who wish to step into this field. Debating was a great way to connect with current affairs and engage in public-speaking which I so enjoy. Drama has always been a place for me to let loose, channel my creative side and perform, and it was an awesome break from the rigorous academic focus in Year 12. Finally, TV shows like Stranger Things and Outer Banks were always my go-to when looking to relax!

Arushi: I love dance. In Year 11 and for most of Year 12, I kept up my lessons both online and in-person. It was a great boost of motivation in my stressful week. I also took part in choreographing our annual house dance competitions and performed at valedictory. I also gained some more nerdy hobbies such as building Lego sets (my Mars rocket launch centre set is my most prized possession) and rekindled my love for reading fantasy novels.

Prabhas: I always looked forward to weekends which would give me time for recreation and fun. Drawing, going to the gym and playing video games with friends from time to time helped to divert my mind from the stress of Year 12. Once a month or so, I would also go to the movies with friends.

Rohan: Continuing to immerse myself in the school’s music life as well as maintaining my fitness through my tennis were crucial factors in preserving my wellbeing throughout Year 12. At home, relentlessly losing against my brother in table tennis became the perfect break away from my desk. I must also mention that new episodes every Tuesday of Only Murders in the Building Season 2 and a rewatch of Star Wars – The Clone Wars got me through my UCAT and trial exams.

Jai: Music was a great expressive break from the rigidity of STEM subjects. I played oboe in the school orchestra and wind ensemble and piano in my spare time. I also enjoyed producing music on my computer. School basketball was beyond important in keeping me healthy and exercising more muscles than my writing hand. I loved watching Curb your Enthusiasm, Better Call Saul and Parks and Recreation.

Ananya: I was a house captain which was a great way to take my mind off studying and rather focus on more fun (still productive) activities such as event planning. Outside of school, I’ve been working since I was 14 - not particularly because I needed the money, but the feeling to have earned something yourself is like no other!

Working on the weekends with people my age was another way to keep a healthy balance between school commitments, but to still have fun and be productive in a different way. I’m also a huge music fan; as a singer myself music got me through so much. Also shout out to Brooklyn 99 and Friends which I used as rewards after studying, and maybe sometimes binge watched hours on end (which is okay!)

Manas: In addition to playing chess, tennis, football and solving Rubik’s cubes, playing the guitar and binge-watching Brooklyn 99 and The Office got me through the final two years of high school.

Dheeraj: I am a huge cricket and sports enthusiast. Throughout my final years I coached with Cricket NSW and was also the captain of my school’s First XI. I tried to do a 5km and a 10km run each week. I enjoy public speaking, debating and the performing arts, but not having had time to involve myself in a local theatre group, I made sure to catch my favourite comedians at Sydney Comedy Festival. I saw Sammy J, Randy Feltface, Kitty Flanagan, Aaron Chen, Nazeem Hussain and Dilruk Jayasinha (whom I was fortunate to meet in person). TV shows that helped me get through the last 2 years are: Have You Been Paying

MANAS GUPTA (HSC)

ATAR: 99.50

Subjects: Mathematics Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 1, English Extension 1, English Advanced, Physics, Chemistry, Economics Results/Special Awards: NSW All Round Achiever, NSW Distinguished Achiever, General Merit Prize (Top 10 in cohort), Australian Economics Olympiad Honourable Mention (National Level), Half Colours Chess School: Sydney Grammar School

Attention, The Cheap Seats, Wedding Season, Fisk, Utopia and The Moodys.

Who is your favourite nerd (historical or fictional)?

Ashna: Virginia Woolf

Veer: Michael Ross from Suits or Hermione Granger from Harry Potter.

Arushi: MARIE CURIE!!

Prabhas: Bernhard Riemann

Rohan: Tony Stark

Jai: Maurice Moss from The IT Crowd.

Ananya: Don’t know if she counts as a nerd but Amy Santiago from Brooklyn 99. She is so funny but still so put together and organised, I aspire to be like her in many ways.

Manas: Richard Feynman

Dheeraj: Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper.

JAI KIMATRAI (HSC)

ATAR: 99.06

Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths extension 1, Maths extension 2, English advanced, Classical Greek continuers

Results/Special Awards: 5th in state in Classical Greek Continuers School: Sydney Grammar School

Arushi: Stay calm, study consistently and make the best memories.

Prabhas: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different study techniques and styles of learning. I am grateful that I experimented with my subjects as it allowed me to workshop my own study skills and create a lasting study system that I can rely on during exam time.

Rohan: Set ambitious goals for the longterm, and realistic goals in the short-term in order to achieve your long-term ones. Also get as involved as possible in any opportunity that comes your way outside of the classroom, and potential leadership positions within your school, as these are often once-in-a-lifetime chances.

Jai: Truly focus and ask questions. Don’t leave the lesson until you understand what your teacher said. It saves so much time to learn something from your teacher than to pour over badly worded explanations on Quora. And find out what you don’t know by looking at the syllabus points or at past papers.

Ananya: Take school seriously; it’s your last year so you might aswell put in the effort so you can look back and say “Yeah, I did that”. But! Don’t take it so seriously that it trumps your mental health, social battery, friends and family. Having a good balance is important, and finding that balance can be quite hard, but I found that studying was so much easier because I genuinely enjoyed the subjects I had chosen. Also, your teachers are your friends - they are there to help you, and they want to see you succeed so help them help you, ask questions, reach out for help.

What would your advice to future final year students be?

Ashna: Year 12 is a competitive and strenuous time where often students compare themselves to the achievements and results of their peers. Be confident with your abilities and trust yourself to be able to perform the way you hope to. Help your peers and work together; try your best to stay motivated and driven.

Veer: Discipline is more important than motivation. Know your goals and believe in yourself, especially in the hard times. Remaining consistent in your approach breeds success, but overcoming challenges defines your character. Finally, balance is the key. You will only be in your final year of school once, so enjoy the ride and don’t get too stressed!

Manas: Embrace the chaos of Year 12 and enjoy the journey.

Dheeraj: 1. Never underestimate yourself even though there will be times where you think you are not doing enough.

2. The HSC is a strong test of character, there maybe times when you feel like giving up, but you gotta back yourself! Don’t worry about what other people are doing; compete with only yourself by aiming to better your last score.

3. If you are a student leader, aim to find a balance early on between your leadership role and academic pursuits.

Favourite quote from a teacher?

Ashna: “Never let your voice be silenced.” Veer: “It’s not the destination, it is the journey”.

Prabhas: “Focusing on average study methods will only ever lead to average results.”

Rohan: I would be placed in grave peril for publishing any of the funny ones that come to mind…

Jai: “In the next couple of years you guys are going to do a hell of a lot of maths.”

Manas: “The mango’s hit the fan in Beirut” – Geography 2020

Dheeraj: “Don’t forget, the HSC is a marathon, never a sprint. There will be challenges along the way, tough times don’t last but tough people do! It’s a bit like Heartbreak Hill… challenging on the way up with a sense of euphoria when you reach the top”.

Describe your final year in three words.

Ashna Sahi: Rigorous. Fulfilling.

Memorable

Veer: Exhilarating. Demanding. Rewarding

Arushi: Hectic. Fleeting. Memorable

Prabhas: Just the beginning.

Rohan: Rewarding. Dynamic. Fun

Jai: Nostalgic. Stimulating. Constant

Ananya: Chaotic. Thrilling. Empowering

Manas: Demanding. Rewarding. Unforgettable

Dheeraj: Hectic. Brilliant. Unforgettable

Your jersey name:

Ashna: ASAHI

Veer Benepal: VB

Arushi: arushirose

Prabhas Grandhi: Prabhability

Jai Kimatrai: JK

Ananya: #no.1 brown kudi

Manas Gupta: GUPTA 22

Dheeraj: Born to be free.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

Ashna: Meeting new people within a new environment whilst being able to pursue my interests within my chosen degree.

Veer: Gaining valuable work experience in business fields related to finance, real-estate and consulting. I am excited to experience college life, be it in Sydney or the USA.

Arushi: Studying my dream course (aerospace engineering) and finally getting to learn about rockets. I also can't wait to make special memories and build new friendships at uni.

Prabhas: Moving onto the next stage of learning in university, studying Medicine at Monash University, as well as having more time to spend with friends and family. In 2023, I aim to focus more on building better, lasting habits that will make me a more well-rounded person.

Rohan: Meeting lots of new people at University and taking up the extracurricular activities that university life will bring.

Jai: Continue learning my favourite STEM subjects at university under a degree in engineering and math major. I can’t wait to choose specific classes I’m interested in rather than take an awfully broad HSC course.

Ananya: Starting Uni! Making new friends, memories, and taking those small steps towards an exciting future.

Manas: Experiencing all the intricacies of University life, and finally joining my friends for bar trivia after turning 18!

Dheeraj: Studying my favourite subjects at University, meeting new people and expanding my horizons beyond the confines of school.

DHEERAJ THADANI (HSC)

ATAR: 84

Subjects: English Advanced, Maths Advanced, Business Studies, Economics & PDHPE

Results/Special Awards: Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, City of Ryde Excellence Award, Anthony Roberts MP Student Leadership Award, Bennelong Award, Preliminary State Finalist Public Speaking School: Ryde Secondary College