A balanced life

EMMA CHANDLER, PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

We chatted to our Co-Captains about how to strike a good work/life balance, and the things they like to do when they’re not in school.

Despite being busy with their final year of school, Co-Captains Chantal Mason and Tom Greer recognise the importance of keeping things balanced.

“I really enjoy living an active life, so my main interests revolve around sport,” said Tom.

‘I’m definitely someone who loves sport and staying active,’ Chantal agreed.

Chantal is currently playing football for the Geelong Falcons and cricket in the Victorian Women’s Premier League. She also represents College in APS cricket and football.

Her love of football started early.

‘I always enjoyed playing football with dad and my siblings growing up and started playing Auskick when I was 8. I then moved into junior footy where I am now in my 10th year of playing!’

‘I really enjoy the team aspect of it and the comradery that comes with it. It’s great to see how hard work can pay off on game day and the constant improvement of both myself and the team,’ she said.

Tom has a passion for Surf Life Saving, having been a member of the

Ocean Grove club for as long as he can remember.

‘I very much appreciate the opportunities it has given me to meet new people but also the motivation it has given me to play an active role in my community,’ he said.

When he’s not in the water, he enjoys having a hit of tennis at the Ocean Grove tennis courts. He also relishes the team environment of APS sport.

‘With the many hours each week, playing and training, it truly feels like a second family.’

With only so many hours in a day, meeting both sport and school demands can sometimes prove a challenge.

“It can be a difficult balance sometimes, but I know for a fact that it’s definitely possible (and very much worth it), all it requires is for you to be purposeful with your time and organise your week in advance,” said Tom.

Chantal uses the challenge to be an opportunity for growth.

“I think the conflicting demands help me to stay motivated and to learn how to use my time efficiently to ensure that everything gets done,” she said. Whether it’s sport, or something else entirely, both Chantal and Tom agree that extracurricular activities form an important part of life.

“Extracurriculars not only give you a time-out from whatever else is going on in your life. They are also a great way to meet people with similar passions, whether that be through sport, music or arts and crafts,’ said Tom.

“I believe they help with maintaining a healthy balance with my academics,’ said Chantal.

Like Tom, she appreciates the social opportunities her chosen sports afford her.

“I am proud of the relationships that I have developed with different people. They have allowed us the to bring the best out of each other.’

When asked their plans for the future, science-minded Chantal and Tom have high aspirations.

“Next year I would love to study medicine or science somewhere in Melbourne preferably,” said Chantal.

“I’d also love to be accepted into medicine in Melbourne, or somewhere slightly more exotic like Queensland or Queenstown,” said Tom.

But sport is never far from their minds. For Chantal, a football career could also be on the cards.

“Playing AFLW is also an aspiration of mine. I will continue to work towards that, and see what happens at the end of the year!”

Tom is keen to trade the ocean for the slopes, at least for a season.

“I would love to take some time to travel and visit other parts of the world, starting with a trip to Europe in winter for some fun in the mountains,” he said.

If you are feeling inspired by the words of our Co-Captains, and are keen to try something new, Chantal couldn’t be more encouraging.

“If you are ever having doubts about trying a new sport or any extracurricular, I really encourage you to just give it a go! You will meet some new people, and have the opportunity to push yourself to new limits.