DESPITE graduating high school in 1996, Sarah Sammon is still studying ten years later, recently achieving her graduate certificate in Australian rural leadership done by correspondence with Townsville’s James Cook University.
The successful businesswoman founded Australia’s first rose petal farm and now heads Simply Rose Petals, an innovative company with international renown.
Ms Sammon says success in life comes down to determination and persistence.
“If there’s a will there’s a way,” she said.
“I’ve seen it countless times in my business — everyone sees all the awards and accolades but a lot of time I’ve applied two or three times.
“I applied for the Nuffield Scholarship 10 years ago then didn’t apply for another 10 years.”
Ms Sammon says it’s important to remember that there is no one right path tot
“There’s a lot of emphasis on the final result, too much emphasis I think.,” she said.
“Its a lot of pressure for someone so young.
“If you feel disappointed after your exams just remember there are always other options, it might mean studying another course for one year and transferring across.”
BY HIS own admission Paul Dillon was not the most diligent student back in 1989.
“School was not for me,” he said.
“If I decided I didn’t like a subject I put zero effort in.”
Now Mr Dillon has lived and worked all over the world and owns his own digital consultancy business.
But it was receiving his exam results in the post that gave him a real “kick up the bum” as he says, gaining 201 of the 205 points it was required to pass the VCE back then.
Mr Dillon says school students should be exposed to as many different vocations as possible before making a decision, which even then might not be permanent.
“The average amount of time millennials will stay in a job now is 18 months,” he said.
“The average lifespan is 100 and people will be working until they’re 80, they’ll probably have at least three different careers.
“Don’t put pressure on yourself to know now what you’re going to do for the rest of your life.”
KIM Bennett was always into the arts.
In high school she starred in so many school plays that her Year 12 coordinator warned that she wouldn’t pass her final year if she didn’t spend less time off the stage and more time studying.
“I was a terrible student,” Ms Bennett said.
“The thing I wished I’d learned was focus and study skills…I’m still terrible.”
When Ms Bennett failed her VCE she conceded her coordinator may have had a point, but went on to drama school with dreams of becoming a director.
Now, as the Regional Arts Victoria creative arts facilitator, Ms Bennett’s life is centered on the arts.
“This role really suits my skills a lot better,” she said.
“I’m leading projects, writing constantly and working very closely with people.”
Ms Bennett says students should focus less on a vocational path and instead just keep an open mind about all careers.
“Real life is so broad and opportunities are so diverse,” she said.
“The reality is, people who are studying now will probably have five different careers.
“Just be curious about everything. It will open up your life.”
