Gold standard

This student’s goal: improving her life and that of others

Not many reading-averse teenagers would choose to spend more time with words simply for self-development, but Olivia Matheson had a goal she wanted to meet.

Olivia’s one of our arts and primary teaching students. She’s also a recipient of a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Completing the award took three years and required Olivia to show outdoor leadership, serve in the community, stay active and learn new skills.

Reading is one of the skills Olivia decided to learn better. While the process challenged her, she realised how much it helped during the Higher School Certificate. “It was a bit like self-torture,” she laughs, “but it made me a better person.”

Olivia found leading in the outdoors—on days-long hiking and kayaking adventures, for example—more enjoyable. She also built a jetty and painted classrooms with others in the Solomon Islands, joined the first impressions team and led praise and worship at her local church, and served at a soup kitchen. Other Duke of Edinburgh experiences helped teach her to drive, improve her cooking, and increase her fitness—she thanks her dad for joining her to swim laps at the pool. It’s rewarding, says Olivia. “You see your progress and you say to yourself, ‘Wow! I actually did all of that.’”

Now as a first-year university student living on campus, Olivia’s sense of adventure and purpose in serving has found a home at Avondale. “Everyone asks, ‘How’s Avondale?’, so now I can talk about so many more things.” Going to the beach, visiting the Watagan Mountains, playing sport, and talking with friends while making s’mores around a campfire are top of her Avondale experience list.

Olivia is specialising in—surprise!—personal development, health and physical education. Her verdict so far? “If you’re thinking about studying here, give it a go. I’m definitely glad I came.”

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Photograph
Olivia Matheson receives her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley.