Choosing the ATAR Pathway in the Senior Years is a significant commitment – one that requires organisation, resilience and focus. For Sarah, what made her journey remarkable was not only her dedication to her studies, but the way she balanced ATAR with an extensive co‑curricular life across Music, Sport, Service, Leadership and Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE).

Her motivation was clear from the beginning: “I wasn’t sure what career I wanted until Year 12 however I knew I wanted to go to university.” Knowing this, she embraced the academic challenge of ATAR while still giving herself room to explore her interests. “I loved the subjects I chose and the challenges they presented,” she says. She carefully chose a broad range of courses “as this allowed me flexibility in my university course options and to see which subjects and fields I would like to study in the future.”

It was this willingness to stretch herself across many parts of College life that became the defining thread of Sarah’s MLC story. “Finding friends in different parts of College life has been extremely rewarding,” she reflects. Whether she was singing in Chorale and Barbershop, performing in Production, contributing to Service, embracing OEE or representing MLC in more than 19 IGSSA teams, she immersed herself in the opportunities available. “Being offered a diverse range of co‑curricular activities allowed me to make new friends outside my classes and friendship group, while gaining new experiences.”  

Her leadership in the Service Team showcased her commitment to helping others. “I enjoyed working with the other members of the Service Team to discuss, support and run various initiatives and events that supported MLC and the wider community.” She approached the role with humility and purpose. “I hoped to practice servant leadership… to ensure the 2025 Service Team made a lasting and positive impact.”  

Sarah’s enthusiasm carried into House life as well. As a proud Athens student, she embraced every challenge. “To me, House spirit means trying my best at anything involving my House,” she says. Whether stepping into carnival races at the last minute, entering Heather Lamont events or helping create “a more inclusive and friendly” environment in Mentor-Mentee Time, she showed up with heart. Even when tasks felt intimidating, she found support in the students around her. “It was often scary to be competitive or speak to new people, however hearing others cheer me on or finding new connections was always so encouraging and rewarding.”  

With so much on her plate, balancing everything required strategy. “I love being busy, however I was careful not to become overworked,” she says. Each time a new opportunity arose, she paused to consider her commitments and upcoming assessments. “Some opportunities I had to let go,” she admits, “however I still managed to be involved in many events and positions during my time at MLC.” Her thoughtful approach is part of what enabled her to thrive both academically and personally.  

Some of Sarah’s most defining memories came from experiences that pushed her outside the classroom. In Year 11, she hiked the Jatbula Trail in the Northern Territory as part of OEE. “Along the way I learned about resilience and the importance of finding strength and encouragement in the people around me.” Music also played a central role in her sense of belonging. At the Class of 2024 final assembly, she realised just how meaningful her Chorale friendships had become. “I realised how close I had become with my Chorale friends,” she says.  

Looking to the future, Sarah has commenced her Physiotherapy degree at the University of Notre Dame. “I want to help people through working in the healthcare sector,” she explains. She was drawn to physiotherapy because it is “academically challenging but also practical”, offering opportunities across the world and within many specialisations. It is a pathway that brings together her curiosity, compassion and drive to make a difference.  

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah says, “I’ve become more confident and well-rounded.” Her advice to younger students captures the heart of her story: “Try everything, but you don’t have to do everything all at once.” And if she had to sum up her MLC experience? “My MLC journey has been life changing, as I gained so many experiences in and out of the classroom, surrounded by people I could grow with and learn from.”