Written by Mia Elliott
The transition from high school to university can be challenging for some but others may love it. My opinion: I loved leaving high school. I found it boring and wanted to finish as quickly as possible to be able to start university and study my dream course.
As I undertook a school-based traineeship from Year 11 to 12, I was only at school for 4.5 days a week. I was at TAFE for half a day and spending a day at the hospital completing skills practiced at TAFE which was the best. I loved being at school as little as possible. I am a very hands-on person and learn from doing, so sitting behind a desk and writing notes was never my thing.
What’s different about university?
We are studying our dream degree! What’s not to love about it. The hands-on classes, the lectures and feeling like a real adult. We are treated as adults in an adult learning environment. No one is here kicking your butt to get your assessments done or prep for your intensives or practicals. It relies solely on you. The schedule is flexible and there are different class options to help you align study days, rest days and workdays. We are big adults in the real world and most likely away from home for the first time ever, making it a massive change in our lives but with an exciting new journey ahead. As a healthcare student studying Nursing, we have clinical placements we must attend to gain experience as a student and enable us to practice skills we have learnt at uni.
High school is challenging, not that university isn’t as well. But you are becoming an adult, learning this new adult world and trying new things. During the completion of your HSC, you are filling out applications to university, studying non-stop and cramming yourself with information whilst trying to attend school every day, attend a casual job, play a sport, and maintain your mental health and be present with your family. This is hard.
What’s the same with high school and university?
The lectures are like sitting in classes at school. We all have assessments that need to get done in a timely manner. Most of us are juggling study and casual jobs, whilst trying to have rest days and maintain good mental health. Through both institutions there is access to support services and opportunities for building social networks through classes, sports and similarities with other students.
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