Jade
Coming to Marden
After deciding to take a gap year to try and get into medicine, I really wanted to engage in something that would keep my mind active and maintain a sense of involvement. I was not enrolled in university and I did not want to repeat year 12, so Marden Senior College was the perfect option for me.
Experience at Marden Senior College
One of the greatest hallmarks of Marden is the kind and genuine people you will meet there. I remember walking through the gates, clouded by nerves and anxiety at the thought of starting afresh at a new school.
But this feeling was quickly diminished when I came across the first person I met at Marden; a friendly counsellor who helped me enrol in Health and General Mathematics. Not long later, I met my subject teachers, whom, to this day, I consider to be helpful and supportive figures in my journey. My teachers were always willing to go above and beyond to help me with anything.
It wasn’t long before I got to know some of the other students, who I still keep in contact with today. A unique aspect of meeting people at Marden is the fact that everyone comes from different backgrounds, and are travelling on different roads to reach different goals. I am grateful for the friends I made and how they influenced my understanding of the world with their life stories.
Another important characteristic of this institution is the flexibility offered to students. Since attendance is only necessary for the classes you are enrolled in, it means you have time to maintain other priorities. Throughout the year, I was able to; commit to a part-time job, volunteer at a hospital and train for a half marathon.
Just like any great college, Marden held exciting events which created many memories. From grand, highly-anticipated events like Formal to relaxed, communitybased events like ‘plant a tree day’ or ‘morning tea’ – I enjoyed them all. At the end of the year, there was a ceremony to celebrate students’ achievements. I was very grateful to receive awards for highest performing student in both my subjects; it was a great way to reaffirm my positive experience at this senior school.
When I reflect on my time at Marden, I would liken it to a bridge, a valuable bridge that prepares you for the future. It balanced the best aspects of school and university. You can build relationships with teachers and students who guide you towards your academic goals. There is also flexibility with time, which allows you to achieve personal goals. The combination of these two must be treasured, as it will equip you for any challenge.
Marden allowed me to study subjects that were not offered at my previous school, and ultimately increase my ATAR. It is a place where I met lifelong friends and created experiences that I will treasure forever.
Achievements to date
Since leaving Marden, I was accepted into medicine at James Cook University. It has been a big life change to move from Adelaide to Townsville (Queensland) and study a degree that I am so passionate about. My future goal is to complete medical school, and hopefully work in communities where help is needed most.
Message to students
I can testify that Marden’s motto, ‘Your pathway to success’, is true because success is something YOU define. Whether it be completing your final year of schooling, taking a new subject, increasing your ATAR or finding new friends – you can be successful in whatever you choose.
