ST BRIGID'S VCAL student Georgia Pilgrim was on her way to a holiday in Geelong when she got the call about being the top performing student for her class.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite a lock down and not getting much practical experience, Ms Pilgrim was awarded the high performing senior student for the 2020 VCAL class.
"I was on the way to Geelong for New Year's and I got a phone call from the [VCAL coordinator] Lesley Lannen letting me know," Ms Pilgrim said excitedly.
"My response was 'oh cool'.
"I was quite shocked actually. It was a good little surprise."
She has already started working on her apprenticeship to complete her Beauty Services III certificate at Sassi Beauty Bar and Hair Design. She will then move on to complete her full diploma.
Not only was Ms Pilgrim awarded High Performing Senior VCAL student, she also recently won South West TAFE Trainee of the Year.
Ms Pilgrim said she has no idea who nominated her but was blown away when her manager at Sassi Beauty Bar told her.
"I forgot to watch the ceremony when my boss asked why I hadn't told her. That was a good surprise as well," she said.
Alongside her VCAL course, Ms Pilgrim also studied small business, literacy, numeracy and personal development skills.
"I like literacy the best, I love English," she said.
Ms Pilgrim said VCAL students were probably a bit luckier when it came to lockdown.
"We didn't have to work towards an ATAR like VCE students but I think it's a bit hard when none of us could do any hands on work," she said.
Her course switched out to mostly theory, she said it was difficult as even when they could try to do more practical work, they did not have enough time.
"We tried to smash it all out when we could go back to school, but we have to cut practical work in half or couldn't do the practical at all," she said.
Ms Pilgrim said her family and time management helped her get through school.
"I couldn't ask for a better family," she said.
"Waking up early and actually getting ready like I was going to school really helped, otherwise I just couldn't be bothered.
"I would tell myself I would do it later and I never would.
"I would go for walks after the school day had finished to help clear my head and get out of the house."
Ms Pilgrim's advice for this year's senior students is to work hard and have fun.
"It's your last year. Try not to stress too much about it and have a good time. Just do your best," she said.
Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.
Alison Foletta
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alison Foletta specialises in local government and court stories. For story tips on Ballarat and local government email: alison.foletta@austcommunitymedia.com.au
