How the class of 2019 coped with COVID-19
The first year out of school can often throw up the unexpected once bell times, class schedules and teachers no longer call the tune. But for the class of 2019, this first year out was particularly challenging as many had to radically rethink their plans in the pandemic environment. They have shown incredible grit, determination, flexibility and positivity and we’re proud of their accomplishments.
Past students Isabelle Bennett, Charles Crowley and Emerson Russell share what 2020 has been like for them.
Isabelle Bennett
Life in 2020
Since finishing in 2019, I have been lucky enough to take a couple of incredible trips with friends and family, travelling to the US, Thailand and up the east coast of Australia, all squeezed in around travel restrictions! Motivated by saving money for the gap year of my dreams, I worked five jobs. I did everything from waitressing, to scooping ice cream to working as a receptionist - even pizza delivery and dog walking!
Fast forward to March. Lockdown began, and although I was fortunate to keep my job as a receptionist, I lost all my other work. It became increasingly clear that travel was not going to be an option for the foreseeable future.
I have since started university, which has been a great decision for me. I am now studying a double degree at Australian National University in Canberra, doing a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of International Relations, living on campus and having an amazing time.
The biggest challenge
The biggest challenge was coping with the disappointment of my failed gap year.
After just two weeks backpacking in Thailand with my two best friends, I decided that I really wanted to save up some money and travel again as soon as I could. It was incredibly disappointing that my trip to China in April didn’t happen, and also later on when other travel plans became unrealistic.
As someone who loves to have everything more or less planned out, it was difficult at times to handle the uncertainty of my future plans. I found it stressful to make decisions, given that it is almost impossible to know what the next few months, or even years, will look like given the pandemic!
What do you hope to be doing in a year’s time?
I hope to be living a more normal university life, with eased coronavirus restrictions. It would be great to be able to go to in-person lectures, share communal living spaces in the hall I live at more freely, do normal sports activities and even just to hang out with friends and family without worrying about keeping 1.5!
Charles Crowley
Life in 2020
I moved to Canberra and started working in the APS (Australian Public Service) at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources in Business Intelligence.
As a part of supporting the government of today and assisting the Australian public, I have been involved in tasks relating to the coronavirus pandemic.
Whilst working full time, I have also started university at the Australian National University as a part time student.
The biggest challenge
The biggest challenge was learning my role within my team and then providing support to colleagues within the department. This challenge was made harder by having to work from home as I was still learning what role I played within the team. Another massive challenge was moving to a new city, not knowing more than a couple of people and then not being able to socialise due to public restrictions.
Luckily, I was able to join the ANU men’s hockey club and have been able to make new friends through sport. Training continued, although games were postponed until the middle of the year.
Your greatest learning this year?
The greatest moment for me this year was understanding how I contributed to supporting the government and the Australian public. I had never really given much thought to the work of a public servant or how the government operated in general. This understanding has made me really appreciate the services that are available to us.
Emerson Russell
Life in 2020
Ten days after my final HSC exam I flew to travel South East Asia for two months, which was a life changing experience. I enjoyed some much-needed relaxation time after Year 12, which was the best schooling year of my life, but also one of the most stressful.
Since being back I finished my first semester at university. This has been an interesting experience. Rather than attending in person, all my lectures and assessments have been online due to COVID.
How does this differ from what you thought this time last year you would be doing?
This time last year I wasn’t sure if I would be taking a year off from studying or going straight to university. I’m glad I chose to go straight to university because with the current travel ban I wouldn’t have been able to do a trip. I also didn’t think that I would be studying to become a veterinarian, as at this point last year I was set on becoming a Maths teacher. I’m so glad I chose to study vet, as I’m really enjoying it at this point in time, but who knows what I will be choosing to do in another year.
The biggest challenge
The biggest challenge has been adjusting to a new routine that is far more flexible than I was used to at school. I was so used to getting up at the same time every morning and being at school at the same time every day. Classes were at set times and we would eat at set times too. Being out of school I’ve had to set these times myself, which has been hard to do as it takes more motivation than studying for my HSC exams. However, it has been great to have this feeling of independence and I’m definitely getting used to it.
