CLASS OF

Earlier this year, Grace spoke at a Senior School Assembly and reflected on her Year 12 experience and the life lessons she learned while completing VCE. This is an abridged version of her speech.

Instead of regaling you with a blow-by-blow of my schooling life, I’ve compiled a list of advice I received throughout the years and will try to explain how these small reminders have helped me along the way. The first piece of advice is a little mantra taken from my lovely mother – work together and share with the people around you. Initially reluctant to accept this wisdom, it was when I began taking her advice that I started doing better at school and enjoying my classes more. Especially last year, I found that it was the classes in which we shared notes, ideas, jokes and even grievances, that I not only did well but also had the most fun.

Don’t be afraid to try is the second piece of advice. I’m not only talking about schoolwork, but also about sport, music, art, drama, whatever takes your interest. At one stage of my schooling life, I let fear take the reins and was resigned to not try at all. At least this way, I thought, when I was inevitably disappointed, I could always tell myself ‘Oh, well you didn’t actually try, so it doesn’t matter’. Even though this seemed to be an easy way out, it was really a re-packaged feeling of disappointment, and the cause of many an upsetting grade. When I did actually try, that pit in my stomach, the possibility of having done better, the lamenting over what could have been, disappeared. You have nothing to lose by trying, whether that be opening yourself up to new experiences, or attempting harder tasks. What you stand to gain through new experiences and discovering new passions is the ability to say, ‘I’ve tried my best’.

My third and last piece of advice – be kind to yourself. Year 12 is hard. School is hard and we can’t expect ourselves to be at 100% every step of the way. Just as we need to work hard to reach our goals, we also need to have a break and allow ourselves small acts of kindness. What kept me sane last year were long FaceTimes or venting sessions with friends, afternoon walks and the occasional six-hour long TV binges on the weekends. Furthermore, the acceptance and satisfaction I felt last year following SACs or tests was paramount in getting me through the year. Instead of punishing yourself for the little upsets, feel proud for getting through and doing your best.

Among the stress and chaos, we need to remind ourselves to slow down and take a breath. You all have what it takes to reach your goals. Remember to try and be kind, both to yourself and others.

Grace Nguyen Dux, Class of 2022

We wish Grace all the best for her future as she commences a Laws and Arts degree at Monash University.