A student's perspective on finishing high school

One’s first year out in the real world is arguably the most challenging yet exciting transition in an individual’s life. After the overwhelming pressures of year 12 have finally dissipated, we are left in a confused and hazy state where the possibilities of the future appear overpowering. Students become so consumed by the commitments of school that breaking out of this obligatory pattern becomes more difficult than expected. 

As someone from a rural community about two hours out of Melbourne, the conclusion of high school comes with the opportunity to move out of  home and into the big smoke. Therefore, to fully bask in the nuances of university culture, I will be moving to Melbourne before my course commences in February.

This move is daunting, but I have always felt prepared and even excited to broaden my life circumstances by living in a place that is new and unknown to me. 

This overwhelming sense of independence and freedom is confronting, but also fills me with unbridled excitement for the future. 

For many, the opportunity to further their skill set at university is desirable. Yet the process of choosing a course and the appropriate university is incredibly strenuous and something I personally struggled a lot with. 

I spent a lot of time throughout 2018 trying to plan out my university experience so that I wouldn't have to concern myself with it at the end of the year. However, I found that my goals for the future continued to change throughout the year, and by the time ATARs came out, I had not the slightest clue of which course to choose.

I landed on the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, with the aim of completing a double major in Media and Communications and Creative Writing. I figured that I would start broadly at a prestigious and well-acclaimed university, and if my career aspirations became more focused I could easily transfer to a more specialised course. 

For others, the prospect of studying for an additional three to five years is unbearable. In this case, many choose to take a ‘gap year’ and pursue other aspirations after 13 years of education, which is fair enough! 

Some people decide to join the workforce and expand their capabilities through practical experience. Others take advantage of their youth and energy by travelling the world. 

Travel has always fascinated me. In my opinion, there is nothing more valuable than the opportunity to immerse yourself in  new cultures, forming timeless memories and relationships along the way.

For me, however, a world tour at 18 is just not feasible. Thus, I plan to take up a part-time job in Melbourne and save up some money, eventually spending it on a trip around Europe at the end of my course in 2021. 

Of course, I would love to take smaller trips throughout my university course, or even pursue an overseas internship.

In conclusion, I foresee that 2019 will be the biggest and craziest year of my life. I've always cringed at clichés like 'the world is your oyster', but after finishing year 12 and having unlimited opportunities falling at my feet, I can finally agree with this statement. 

Charlie M