Marian College's Bridget McGukian has found her stride in remote learning, making the most of resources available.
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Miss McGukian has used the extra time she has gained while learning from home to delve in-depth into her subjects. Those subjects include Maths Methods, Physics, Chemistry and English.
The year 12 student has set her sights on studying medicine at university.
"The first round of remote learning was really hard," she said. "I had planned I would get up early and get everything done but it didn't really go to plan and I'll be honest, I did just put things off until tomorrow.
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"The second time around and the timing of the year it's really crunch time. I feel there is more direction on what I need to do to achieve what I want."
Miss McGukian was presented an award for achieving perfect scores in year-12 level subjects while in year 11. She obtained a perfect score in Physical Education and Biology.
Miss McGukian said working through those year-12 subjects last year put her in good stead to understand the expectations and pressures which were likely to rise during her final year of school.
"It's been an interesting year because we haven't had any practical classes for Chemistry or Physics," she said. "There's a lot of resources I've found on the internet which has been very helpful.
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"There is definitely a bit more time to have a look around and gain a deeper understanding of a subject.
"In some ways, for me, remote learning hasn't been too bad at all. I feel like it's just different. I wouldn't say I've enjoyed it, but it certainly hasn't been bad."
Miss McGukian said she believed remote learning made students think about their subjects more.
"I think doing it yourself and doing the extra research to make sure you fully understand the topic certainly has its benefits," she said.
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"Because there isn't someone right there to show you how to do something.
"When you are at home and figure something out for yourself it is really rewarding.
"For me, I feel like I am still achieving a great understanding of some topics and I hope it just stays in my head leading into exams."
After most school social events were cancelled for the year, Miss McGukian said at first most students felt disappointed.
THE GRADUATION PROJECT: Ararat year 12 student thrives during remote learning
"This week last year was when the school formal was held," she said. "It's interesting that now, since so many things have been cancelled there isn't as much disappointment as I would have thought among the students.
"We're all just expecting things to be cancelled or postponed and it has become like the new normal."
Running has been a way Miss McGukian has tried to divide her time and clear her head as exams loom closer.
"I'm very nervous about exams," she said. "I'm very critical of myself and feel like I need to do a lot of studies before I'm going to be ready.
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"I hope it will go ok. I'll use the September school holidays to sit as many practice exams and feel confident.
"I'm going to work hard over the holidays so I don't feel as stressed. I will have a day or two off to celebrate my birthday."
Miss McGukian said she was "really proud" of her year-12 cohort.
"I'm really glad I had such good friends around during the year," she said. "It's been tough but certainly made easier by having the support of both students and teachers."
OTHER NEWS:
The future looks bright for Miss McGukian with a plan to study medicine.
"I want to be a doctor but obviously it's really hard to get into a course to study medicine but I want to give it a shot," she said. "If I don't get into straight under-grad medicine, I still want to go to uni and hopefully get in through bio-medicine.
"I'm applying all over Australia and don't mind if remote learning was to continue. It won't be ideal because I would love to study on campus and also enjoy the social side of higher learning.
"Hopefully things are opened back up and it might be a little less intense to what this year has been without being able to travel or go out and see friends. I figure if I don't get into anything I will reassess.
"Those are obviously my goals and dreams but I know if it doesn't play out then I'm happy to take some time and just enjoy some of the little things in life while I think about what I want to do next."
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