Dux Speech

Speech from the College Dux

Thank you, Mr Clarke and all staff, for this prestigious award as well as for giving me this opportunity to speak. Before I begin, I’d like to start off by congratulating all the award recipients for 2020, it’s an immense achievement to be standing up here after that tumultuous year. 2020 was indeed a rollercoaster for everyone. Although the beginning of the year started without too much hassle, COVID hit quite quickly and by Term 2, we had to resort to online learning. This proved to be an arduous task. It was always a struggle to decide whether I should do Specialist Mathematics work or binge watch Breaking Bad.

It was during this period that I developed three strategies that I found important in being successful. First of all, creating a set schedule. This made sure that my home life, school and work didn’t clash and that I had ample time to fit all three. Additionally, I made sure I had some downtime because mental health, is always a priority. Sometimes this meant texting a mate, or going for a jog, otherwise I was taking a nap.

This brings me to my second strategy, having a good night’s sleep. I can’t stress this enough, but all-nighters are the worst possible idea. If you want to work at your best, you need a good sleeping habit. The third strategy that came to me was having a fixed study area in my house. It’s easy to get distracted when your phone’s pinging non-stop. So, I had to make sure that where I was studying was free of any distractions.

Once COVID restrictions dropped, I was going to as many tutorials after class as I could because you could never get enough help. Exam block was literally right around the corner, and I had to make sacrifices. Did I really need to be working or partying right now? It’s easy to start slacking at this point, but it’s this point that defines you as a student, and look where it has put me today

Currently, I have been accepted into Engineering at JCU, here in Townsville. I’m looking forward to the flexibility of university, as well as meeting new people with shared interests.

Before I end I’d like to thank the teachers that played a monumental part in supporting me and pushing me to be where I am today. I’d also especially like to thank my parents for encouraging and supporting me every step of the way.

I wish everyone the best of luck for the year ahead and I hope you all continue to strive to be your best. Thank you.

Edwin Jomon | College Dux 2020