08 Jan 2021
For Year 11 students, 2020 has been a year of change. During their first year at college they transitioned to remote learning and back to learning on-site.
We spoke with Ellen, Anjana and Gabe from UCSSC Lake Ginninderra as they reflected on the year that was, and look forward to what 2021, and what their final year of school will bring.
What has 2020 been like for you as Year 11 students?
Ellen: The first half of 2020 was wonderful, I loved online school! I was very lucky in that I have a good job and could keep working throughout, in fact I could do more shifts during the day and classwork at night when I was switched on. Our teachers posted the work at the beginning of the week and it was due at the end of the week, which meant I could work through it at my own pace. All in all, I felt a lot more productive.
Anjana: This year has forced me to become more responsible. There was a lot to balance, coming from a single parent household, I had responsibilities around the house, as well as my schoolwork and looking after my personal wellbeing. I think this gave me greater independence and made me more confident in contributing to the household amidst a pandemic, whilst transitioning into Year 11 and studying online. I think these challenges pushed us all to grow as young adults. We learnt some important life skills this year.
Gabe: This year has been good! We were able to settle in and make the most of our time at College. Learning from home was interesting. I feel that it meant that what you put in is what you got out of it. It was easier to lose the motivation when we were home, but in saying that, I found that when you’re the one who has to stay motivated, it makes the whole experience of learning more rewarding.
What did you learn from 2020?
Ellen: I formed more of a connection with my teachers throughout online learning, which sounds strange! I emailed one of my teachers to say, “Hey I’m really struggling with motivation” and they replied with an essay of ideas which were very helpful. I found the teachers here are so supportive, so it’s really important to keep that communication going and talk lots to your teachers!
Anjana: I have learnt a lot about handling motivation and procrastination. I think it has equipped all of us for Year 12 and university. It has made me realise my own motivation is something I can control.
Gabe: I learned that you need to be the one who is taking control. You can’t be relying on anyone else to get the work done. I’ve learned that if I want to do well, I’m the only one who can get myself there.
What challenges did you face in 2020?
Ellen: Coming back to school, I didn’t have the time to fit everything in. I do activities every afternoon and they all started up again at the same times as going back between 9:40 to 3:40. This time was overwhelming. I didn’t have the time to keep working on my assignments as much as I had previously. Despite struggling for a while, things are better now.
Anjana: The only issue this year was that when we came back from online schooling, the workload increased somewhat and was more challenging with assessments. The year has been difficult at times, and exhausting, but from this I’ve learned that challenges also provide opportunities.
What are you looking forward to most about next year?
Ellen: Finishing! I’m excited about stepping up to be a Year 12 student. I looked up to the Year 12’s a lot this year and I hope that I can be like them.
Anjana: I’m looking forward to being more involved in the school community, it’s something that I missed out on this year. I’m looking forward to opportunities in leadership and public speaking. And of course, graduation, formal and university admission!
Gabe: I think the whole vibe of Year 12. The final year of school, just being able to take in where I am and how far I’ve come – knowing that it will be the last of 13 years! I am looking forward to the courses, like Philosophy and Psychology, which are going to be really interesting. Also, there will be spaces in the carpark, at least for the first semester!