From College Captain to future educator - Matilda Dyer looks to the future

As she prepares to graduate (Friday 20 November) and embark on an exciting new chapter at university, College Captain Matilda Dyer shares her final reflections at Saint Mary’s Catholic College, Kingaroy.

In this Q&A Matilda shares the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family while completing Year 12 and also shares her aspiration to one day return to the classroom, this time as a primary teacher.

Q: What is one lesson you've learned during your school journey that you will carry with you into the future?

A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout school is the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. School has shown me how much the people around you can influence your experience, from the friends who make the hard days easier, to the teachers who encourage you to believe in yourself. I’ve been really lucky to have people around me who support me, make me laugh, and bring out the best in me. 

As I move into the next chapter of my life, I hope to continue surrounding myself with people who make me happy, challenge me, and support me to be the best version of myself.

Q: Who has had the biggest impact on your education and why?

A: My family, especially my parents, have had a huge impact on my education and have shaped me into the person I am today. They have always supported, and encouraged me throughout my schooling, and I’m so grateful to have had them behind me.

I also think a big part of my journey has been learning to hold myself accountable and take responsibility for my own future. I know the kind of person I want to be, the goals I want to achieve, and that it’s up to me to put in the work to get there. I think the combination of having such a supportive family behind me, and learning to push myself, has played a huge role in getting me to where I am today.

Q: What achievement or memory from your time at school are you most proud of?

A: Becoming College Captain is definitely something I’m really proud of. It has been such a special way to finish my school journey and has given me so many memories, and opportunities that I’ll always be grateful for. 

But I think what makes me proudest is the little moments, knowing that people feel comfortable around me, can have a laugh with me, and feel like they can just be themselves. Some of my best memories are the completely silly ones with my friends, sitting at the back of classrooms, chaotic lunchtimes, pointless conversations, and laughing at absolutely nothing. As much as I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities that come with being College Captain, it’s the connections I’ve made and the little moments that have made this experience so special.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to students starting Year 12 next year, what would it be?

A: My biggest piece of advice would be to make the most of every situation, try to find the positives in things, and remember not to take life too seriously! 

Year 12 can be stressful at times, but it’s also such a special year, so make sure you’re having fun, saying yes to new experiences, and enjoying all the little moments along the way. I’d also really encourage them to get to know their cohort because these are the people you get to experience it all with, and having those connections makes the whole journey so much more special. 

At the end of the day, the year goes by so much faster than you expect, so enjoy it, laugh lots and make as many memories as you can.  

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for life after graduation?