As we approach yet another farewell to a Year 12 Cohort and a Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s, we thought it might be good time to look back … so to speak. Each year we celebrate this ritual; we wish the Year 12s well; we pray for them and their futures and wave as they walk into the disparate futures that await them. On the 10 Anniversary of the Class of 2012, we asked them, so what are you doing now? It is hoped that we will share more of their responses in the coming 2022 newsletters. If you are in contact with a student from the Class of 2012, who has not yet been featured, and would like to be, please have them contact me via email, kylie.purbrick@twb.catholic.edu.au

Philomena (Philly) Stephen

1. Where has your journey in faith and knowledge taken you in the 10 years since you graduated from OLSCC?

After grade 12 I kicked onto university at UQ where I completed a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy with First Class Honours. While I was at university, I resided at Duchesne College where I made a lot of great memories and mates!

Since graduating from uni, I have been working as an Occupational Therapist, and occasionally as an anatomy tutor, for the last 5 ½ years in hospitals in Toowoomba and Brisbane, across a variety of caseloads including neurology, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, acute medical, oncology and palliative care. While working, I also played AFL for my university club, made plenty of room for travel, and have made a fantastic group of supportive mates.

2. What highlights stand out to you?

My biggest highlights in the last 10 years have included:

My travel overseas, including snowboarding in Japan, jumping off cliffs and bridges in New Zealand, and eating lots of pasta in Italy. Becoming an Aunty – I am now an Aunty to 9 cheeky children - 5 nephews and 4 nieces. Being about to move to London in the second half of this year so I can access $20 flights to Spain and Portugal on my weekends, and keep traveling throughout Europe. (I am lucky as it is very easy to find work as an Occupational Therapist in London!)

3. What have been the challenges?

In 2020, I booked a three month trip with 10 friends with plans to move to London afterwards…. then came along a pandemic! Like everyone else, I found the pandemic and lockdowns challenging, particularly while working in a hospital.

4. What advice would you offer the current Year 12 class?
5. Pursue what you love or what you’re interested in!
6. The opportunities that scare you the most are often the ones you should take!
7. Surround yourself with people who are kind, passionate + bring out the best in you – and remember that you have to be a good friend to have good friends.

Jessie Nott

1. Where has your journey in faith and knowledge taken you in the 10 years since you graduated from OLSCC?

My journey into the life after school started straight after schoolies. I started full time employment at my already part time job at Dalby Rural Supplies. This allowed me to save enough money for an overseas working holiday to Canada. After returning from Canada, I started studying part time to become a Cert IV Veterinary Nurse which was completed over the course of many other jobs including station hand, waitressing, and bar work. After pursuing Veterinary nursing, I changed trades and enrolled in a Cert III in engineering working in the coal seal gas industry around Dalby and Chinchilla.

2. What highlights stand out to you?

I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to travel multiple countries including Canada, America, Ireland, and England. Study highlights include a Cert IV Veterinary Nursing and a Cert III Engineering. As much as these two qualifications are very different, they are both very rewarding and challenging in their own ways.

3. What have been the challenges?

There have been many challenges since leaving school. Juggling study, work and the business of everyday life was one thing that does become easier over time. 

4. If you knew then, what you know now, what advice would you have offered your Year 12 self?

Apply yourself as much as possible and take every opportunity that comes your way.

5. What advice would you offer the current Year 12 class?

Consider a trade as a career pathway. Don’t be disappointed if things don’t work out the way you have planned. There are other ways to get to the same goal. And don’t be afraid to change the goal.