Our earliest schooling experiences should nurture curiosity, foster a love of learning and encourage self-discovery. For Devon, who joined the MLC Community in Year 2, she credits her time in the Junior Years for easing her transition to high school and setting her up for success in her final years. 

At MLC, the path from the Junior to Senior Years is one cohesive journey. For many students like Devon, the foundations built during the early years are essential in shaping their future success. 

“I believe Junior Years was a time of personal growth that greatly impacted my experience in the Senior Years. During my time in the Junior Years, I got to experience various academic competitions and extension classes. It was these opportunities that piqued my interests in Science, Mathematics, Languages and Society & Environment. I learnt to enjoy learning which was beneficial to the absorption of future material.” 

As a result, Devon went on to the choose an ATAR Pathway for Years 11 and 12, crediting the support and help of her teachers and the MLC Leadership Team for making the otherwise daunting task of subject selection easier. “Thanks to them, my cohort was counselled through various career and subject expos. The Careers & Employability subject was also instrumental in ensuring that we knew what each pathway entailed.” 

Devon decided on English, Japanese, Mathematic Methods, Mathematics Specialist, Chemistry and Physics for her courses and was awarded Dux of the College in her final year. During her time at MLC, she also competed in various academic competitions such as the Australian Mathematics Competition, International Chemistry Quiz and Australian Language Competition, participated in IGSSA Badminton and accumulated 37 hours of community service in her Senior Years. When it came to finding a good work-life balance, she chalked it up to an organised routine and her support network. 

An integral person in her support network was her older sister, who gave her some sage advice heading into her final years of schooling: “She would always tell me not to be disappointed or dwell on past results. Instead, to look at mistakes as learning opportunities and strive to improve. This goal of consistent improvement instead of immediate perfection was integral to my mindset.” 

What began as the initial embers of curiosity have transformed into a fire of ambition fuelled by the desire to challenge herself, seek out opportunities for growth and pursue her passions. Devon now plans to complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) at the University of Western Australia and attributes the MLC Community to helping her embrace every moment of her journey: “My MLC experience was a pivotal part of my life that truly cultivated a love of learning.”