In primary school I was one of those kids who teachers struggled to keep engaged. I constantly wanted more work and more challenges.
My parents encouraged me to make my own decisions from a young age, so in Year 6 I investigated the different accelerated programs on offer and preferred SEAL at Gleneagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills. It was an integrated program and I felt that the teachers were interested in me and what I wanted, rather than what my parents wanted.
Being in a SEAL program through secondary school helped me in so many ways, with study techniques and other important skills. It was incredibly helpful in setting me up for VCE because I understood WHY education matters.
I was offered scholarships at independent schools but decided to stay in my SEAL program, and I’m very glad I made that call. I travelled to Europe with the program when I was in Year 9, which taught me so much independence.
I really enjoyed the SEAL environment. It was perfect for me because I wanted to be engaged in the content, be stimulated by those around me, and have teachers who were invested in me. I never felt overwhelmed.
I am in my final year of a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Monash University, and I am looking forward to working in trauma or community medicine in Australia or overseas after I graduate.
I would 100 percent encourage talented students and their parents to consider SEAL. It really is worth the time and effort. I have many fond memories of my school years, especially being treated as a young adult. It is also great that it gives students from low socio-economic areas (like me) chances that are not based on how much money their families have.
