BSSC Year 12 student, Jesse Gill, says ‘accepting’ is the word he’d choose to describe BSSC. He recommends the college 100% because “it’s such a lovely college”.
“You can come from all walks of life, and you will be accepted here—whoever you are and whatever you want to become.”
Hoping to study Physiotherapy through Bendigo’s La Trobe University, Jesse is still deciding whether to make 2025 a gap year.
Given his interest in a career in health, his VET Allied Health subject is a favourite and, unsurprisingly for someone aiming for physio, Jesse is especially fascinated by the musculo-skeletal system.
His other subjects are: General Maths, Business Management, and English. He completed ¾ PE in Year 11.
“In the future I can imagine myself working in a hospital across a broad range of age-groups and conditions.”
Earlier this year Jesse confirmed how much he enjoys working in the health sector through a work placement at Bendigo’s UFS Pharmacy.
The experience built skills essential for anyone working in health—such as creating positive interactions with customers—and increased his confidence to approach and talk with people he’d never met before.
Jesse also enjoyed the change of focus from school and sport, which have been centre of his world for much of his life.
With physiotherapy in his sights, Jesse had to make a significant pivot at the end of Year 11 when he was disappointed by his grades.
“I realised I had to work harder if I wanted to reach this goal,” he says.
“I put my head down this year and I’m much happier with the results I’m getting.
“If I don’t get the super-high ATAR you need to get straight into Physio, I have a back-up plan to study Exercise Physiology and may transfer across after a couple of years.”
Friendships have always been highly valued by Jesse, and he found it a big challenge to begin Year 12 without some close mates who had left at the end of Year 11 to pursue apprenticeships.
“I also have different classes to most of my other mates who are still at BSSC.
“The good thing is I’ve had to make more effort to connect with other students and I’m realising I can make new friends.”
Naturally, Jesse still catches up with long-term friends and says his mates remain a “massive support”.
Spending time talking and hanging out with them is one of the ways he destresses.
Sport is his other brilliant way to destress.
“I play footy—centre-half-back—for Golden Square and we got into the finals this year. When I’m playing footy my mind is totally on the game and my body is getting a massive amount of exercise.”
In contrast, his biggest stress is running late with schoolwork.
“My family are so supportive and helpful at times like that.”
Jesse’s study method is to listen to music and work in blocks of 25 mins with 5 mins off.
He also appreciates being able to set up his school-based study periods according to his needs and says BSSC “100% teaches you to be an adult because they treat you like one.”
Looking back over his entire education, Jesse has enjoyed some important leadership roles—School Captain in Year 6 and Sport Captain at Weeroona College.
This year he is captain of BSSC Lions Football Team.
“I also had an outstanding teacher in Grades 5/6. Her name was Rebecca Woods and she taught me so much about how to conduct myself and be my best self.
“She’s had some big challenges in her life and is a great example of the value of a positive mindset.”
If Jesse could go back to when he was in her class, he would remind himself that every time you get a shot at something, or are offered an opportunity, you should take it.
“You never know where it will take you.”
Jesse was already playing footy at this age and says he suffered three concussions—despite wearing a helmet.
“I think the helmet made me think I was invincible. I don’t wear one now and it makes me much more protective of my head.”
When he’s not at school or playing footy, Jesse works part-time at Bunnings in the delivery yard. Again, he enjoys doing something totally different to his other activities.
Grateful for his mum and his mates who stick by him and support him, Jesse says his mum is also someone he deeply admires.
“She raised three kids alone and that is a massive thing. I also try to be a mentor and an example for my younger siblings—my brother and sister who are twins.”
In contrast to imagining advice he might like to give to a past Jesse, if he could imagine what his future 30-year-old self might say to his present self, he reckons this might be on the cards:
“Keep a level head. There’s no doubt there will be bumps and hiccups along the way. Don’t let them hold you back!”
