Old Boy connection offers timely advice
January was a month where many of our newest ‘Old Boys’ were making big decisions about their futures, especially as University offers were being released. After years of academic focus and energy channelled towards anticipated results, preferred careers and industries of interest, this time can be overwhelming for students presented with new options, considerations and possible futures.
Michael Li (ON 2016), was a disciplined student with a strong focus on pursuing a future in Veterinary Science. However, after being offered the Chancellor’s Award from the University of Sydney, which includes a scholarship to combined Medicine, Michael was encouraged to consider a different path.
“I haven’t given this degree much thought”, Michael admitted. The Chancellor’s Award is only offered to students with an ATAR of 99.95 from either the HSC or the IB Diploma. The double degree requires the completion of a first degree of choice before proceeding directly into studying Medicine.
With questions and considerations aplenty, Newington’s Office of Community and Development were able to connect Michael with Newington ‘Old Boys’ studying the same Medicine course. Most of us can recall a time in our lives when someone — a teacher, a pastor, a coach, a friend — became a guide or mentor for a moment in our lives. In Michael’s situation the experience and insights of the ‘Old Boys’ assisted in giving him the knowledge to make a considered decision that he could be comfortable with. Michael decided to continue the pursuit of his original path so in 2017 he will begin a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.
The prestigious Newington Alumni Community consists of extraordinary and accomplished ‘Old Boys’ worldwide. As Michael experienced first-hand, being part of the Newington Alumni community provides the opportunity to access the vast network of fellow alumni from around the world. It also fosters career connections, the sharing of skills, finding friends old and new, special event access and connection to Newington College.
