We asked a few of our Class of 2025 graduates to share what pathway they chose for their first year out of school. Read on to find out what they’re up to now and how they got there.
Jasmine Bladeni
What have you been up to since leaving Carey?
After graduating from Carey, I moved to Sydney to begin studying at AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School). So far, it has been an incredible experience. Just in my first week I had the privilege of learning from experienced directors and filmmakers such as Jocelyn Moorhouse and Mia Wasikowska, which made me even more excited about my studies and beginning my own path in film. I have also met so many creative and inspiring people who I’m excited to continue learning and collaborating with.
How did Carey help you on this path?
Year 12 was such a stressful and demanding year, but my amazing Carey teachers were always so supportive and invested in my success. I am especially grateful for the way they would take time out of their own lunches and recesses to help me with my projects or with better understanding content in general. I also really appreciated the high-quality resources, including DSLR cameras and other film equipment. This significantly improved the quality of my final VCE Media project, which I submitted to AFTRS as part of my portfolio.
What was the best part of Year 12?
A highlight of Year 12 for me was our last week of celebrations where we all had fun dressing up and enjoying our final moments at Carey together. It was so special to celebrate with my friends, reflecting on everything we achieved and looking forward to what the future would bring.
Do you have any advice for Year 12 students?
Something else that really helped me in Year 12 was Forest, a focus timer app I used to track my study time. Sometimes, you might reach the end of the day or week feeling like you haven’t studied enough, but I found that having a record of my effort helped my confidence as it proved that I had put in hours of work, and it also motivated me to study that little bit longer.
Bridie Conway
What are you doing now and how did you get there?
This year I began a Bachelor of Music Performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Entry to this course is audition based, so I had to submit a 15-minute recording of myself playing my instrument, the oboe. Balancing instrumental practice with academics proved challenging. The stress and busyness of exams meant I frequently lacked motivation to practice, instead wanting to focus on studying. I had to work out a schedule to balance practice and study, and after I submitted my audition, I directed my attention solely towards the end-of-year exams.
How did Carey help you on your way?
The staff at Carey were incredibly helpful in seeing me through Year 12, encouraging me to perform to the best of my abilities and helping me discover my passions and goals for the future. I was able to pursue my favourite activities and hobbies in the performing arts alongside my academics, ensuring that Year 12 was a year of joy as well as importance.
What was a highlight of Year 12?
Although it was a stressful and hectic time, the end-of-year exams were a highlight of the year. Particularly in the IB, I loved the sense of community and friendship that emerged during exams. From discussing the most recent exam in the IB lockdown room, to sharing quotes two minutes before the English exam, and even to coaching someone through yet another mental breakdown, it was certainly a highlight to see everyone bond together and help one another.
Do you have any advice for current and future Year 12s?
Surround yourself with friends who will support and help you through Year 12. Although it is a stressful year, having friends who you can laugh with and study with makes the year so much more enjoyable. Also – savour every moment of your last year. It goes by so quickly and only towards the end do you realise how much you will miss it.
Miller Jones
What are you doing now and what pathways did you take to get there?
This year is my first year at the University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Design with a double major in Construction Management and Landscape Architecture. The most significant pathway I took to get here was participating in lots of Art and Design subjects throughout my time at Carey. I did Product Design Technologies: Wood/Metal as well as Visual Communication Design (VCD) throughout all three years of Senior School, while also studying VCD further during my final year. I think Year 12 VCD was the biggest influence on my choice of course, as the detail and depth of that class sparked a greater interest in the design of buildings and their surroundings for me.
Did you face any challenges?
At the beginning of Year 12, I was diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed medication that brought significant challenges. The various side effects impacted my performance in the classroom, mentally and physically. I managed it with lots of routine and organisation, and at the end of the year I was proud to receive an offer for my first preference of course.
What was your Year 12 highlight?
My favourite part of Year 12 was celebration week. Even though it was bittersweet knowing we were about to leave, it felt like our cohort had never been closer. It was a meaningful and unforgettable way to end our high school journeys.
Do you have any advice for current and future Year 12s?
To current and future Year 12s, my advice is to stay organised, work steadily and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. The year can be stressful, but it's important to study what you enjoy, look after yourself and take breaks. Enjoy time with your friends and make the most of the experience, because it goes by quickly.
Jacob Zheng
What are you currently studying and how did Carey prepare you for that?
This year, I am studying medicine at Monash University. Medicine not only requires academic competence, but also time management, communication and collaboration. Learning to balance my studies with co-curricular activities at Carey helped me develop my organisational skills, while volleyball, orchestra and leadership taught me how to clearly communicate in a team setting. I went into 2026 feeling well-equipped to start my course.
What was the most important factor behind your academic success?
I believe the most important factor was my support network. I had amazing teachers who taught in an engaging way and cared about my wellbeing deeply, and my friends and family helped me to stay motivated and push through even the most stressful times. I feel so grateful to have had the support and guidance of the people around me.
How did you approach subject selection for IB?
My subject selection for IB was based on two primary criteria: prerequisites for university courses and my performance of the subject. I knew that trying to get into medicine would be very competitive, and that I would need to perform very well in all my subjects. When choosing subjects for IB, I prioritised subjects I thought I would be able to achieve highly in. While some of my subjects may not traditionally be considered ‘fun’, I still found enjoyment and satisfaction in the subject through the learning process, and seeing my hard work pay off.
What is your advice to younger students?
Prioritise sleep. I believe that poor sleep is the one factor which is most detrimental to academic performance, as it leads to severe physical and mental health consequences. Having a good sleep routine allowed me to fully concentrate in class, absorb content easier and study more consistently and efficiently. Regardless of how busy your schedule is, it’s always better to maintain good sleep than to stay up late to study.
