Philippa Pearce is celebrating her new title as The Geelong College dux in Switzerland after receiving her 99.75 ATAR.
Philippa received study scores of 46 in General Mathematics, 45 in French, 41 in Chemistry, 34 in Latin, 38 in Mathematics Methods, and a perfect study score of 50 in English.
She said it was rewarding to know her Year 12 study efforts had paid off and that “it was a great relief” to see her score when VCE results were released on December 12.
“When the ATARs came out, there was an initial moment of relief, then great elation and, to some extent, disbelief,” she said.
“It‘s been a struggle for me to decide where I’m going to study, but I’ve chosen to do an arts degree at the University of Melbourne, continuing my study of languages, before doing post-grad law.”
Philippa is currently travelling around Switzerland, where she was born, and has some advice for other students who may be unhappy with their results.
“I understand that it will sound rich coming from me, but there truly are so many different ways of arriving at your dreams, irrespective of your ATAR,” she said.
“Sometimes it will feel like you’re going backwards or sideways… and things rarely go as planned, so make the most of all opportunities and never let fear of failure hold you back.”
