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This Thursday October 16th, Year 12 students across the Hawkesbury are opening their exam papers and beginning the final stretch of their school journey, the Higher School Certificate.
Olivia Myers of The Slopes sat the HSC last year. She has spent the year since working various jobs, earning money and using this to travel overseas. She works part time as a Junior Jounalist for the Gazette and we asked her what advice she could pass onto students sitting the exam this year and here it is.
What do you wish someone told you?
I wish someone had told me that life after high school is so much bigger than it feels in the moment. High school is just the beginning. The world is full of opportunities, places to see, and lessons to learn beyond the classroom. I also wish I had been encouraged to step outside my comfort zone—to be more outgoing, try new things, and not worry so much about what others thought of me. I also wish someone told me that being stressed is normal and that it is inevitable but what’s most important is that you believe in yourself and the work that you have put in. Senior school is one of the most exciting yet challenging times of your life, but it goes by so quickly. Looking back, those moments often become some of your best
memories, so it’s important to make the most of every experience while you can.
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What have I learnt since?
I’ve learnt that school is definitely not the be-all and end-all—it’s really just a small chapter in a much bigger story. Life after school is very different, especially in the workplace, where you need to be far more independent, organised, and responsible. I’ve also realised that not everything goes according to plan, and things often turn out differently to how you first imagined. But that’s not always a bad thing—sometimes the unexpected leads you to where you’re meant to be. Your path doesn’t always unfold exactly how you choose; instead, it tends to shape itself over time, and that’s part of the journey.
What did the HSC teach me?
During the HSC, I learnt a lot about myself and the way I work. I discovered that I often left things to the last minute and, surprisingly, I worked best under pressure. I also realised that stressing too much only makes things harder—when I stayed calm, I performed better. The key was putting myself in the right mindset: reminding myself that I had already done the work and just needed to trust what I had learnt.
Message for Hawkesbury’s Year 12 Students
This is a daunting time students. The pressure of exams, the long hours of study, and the weight of expectations can make these weeks seem overwhelming. But it is important to remember: this time will pass, and brighter days are just ahead.
The HSC is a milestone, but it does not define you. It is simply one part of a much bigger story, a story of friendships formed, lessons learned, and the resilience you’ve shown in reaching this point. Every student who sits down to write an exam has already achieved something remarkable: completing 13 years of schooling, overcoming challenges along the way, and stepping forward into the future.
In just a few short weeks, the study sessions and exam nerves will give way to celebrations. You will dress up for your farewell formals, take photos that capture the joy of finishing school, and share laughter with friends who have walked this journey beside you. These moments of recognition, of pride, of stepping into adulthood are waiting for you.
So, take heart, Hawkesbury students. Lean on your teachers, friends and families for support, and remember to look after yourselves during this busy season. The HSC is only one chapter, and it is followed by many exciting opportunities whether that’s further study, training, work, or new adventures.
From all of us in the Hawkesbury community, we wish you calm, confidence, and strength. And we look forward to celebrating with you as you take your first steps into adulthood.
