From Student to Advocate: My Journey Shaping Senior Secondary Education Pathways
I vividly remember the day my career advisor shared an opportunity with a small group of us: an application to join the ‘Senior Secondary Pathways Student Advisory Panel (VicSRC)’.
The title alone caught my attention, but it was the purpose behind it that truly resonated with me – students having a direct voice in shaping the future of senior secondary schooling. For the first time, I felt like my ideas, questions, and suggestions about education could be heard by those in power. I knew this was my chance to speak not just for myself, but for every student who felt overlooked or unheard.
“For the first time, I felt like my ideas, questions, and suggestions about education could be heard by those in power.”
My name is Aya, and I am a proud and passionate member of the VicSRC Senior Secondary Pathways Student Advisory Panel. I was selected to represent independent school students undertaking a VCE Vocational Education and Training subject (VCE-VET), a responsibility I carry with honour. I bring to the panel my unique insights shaped by a lifetime surrounded by education and a deep desire to make a difference for students across Victoria.
My passion for education stems from my upbringing. With my mum serving as a school principal, I was constantly exposed to the education system from the perspective of teachers, coordinators, and school leaders. I developed a deep understanding of the challenges schools face, and the impact different types of support can have on students from diverse backgrounds. This upbringing helped shape my appreciation for the wide range of educational journeys that exist and how they should all be equally recognised and respected.
As I grew older, I began to notice how different students experienced schooling in ways I hadn’t even imagined, some positive, some deeply unfair. This inspired me to become a voice for those who felt silenced, to raise concerns schools might ignore, and to push for more inclusive and flexible pathways. I was never afraid to ask questions or suggest improvements, especially when it came to student learning and wellbeing.
“I began to notice how different students experienced schooling in ways I hadn’t even imagined, some positive, some deeply unfair.”
When I made the decision to pursue a VCE-VET subject in Business, I was excited to explore a new and unconventional path which my school had never offered before. This experience has been transformative. Not only have I gained practical skills and confidence, but I’ve also seen first-hand how alternative pathways can lead to meaningful success. The encouragement I received from my school community further fuelled my belief that education should never be one-size-fits-all.
“I’ve also seen first-hand how alternative pathways can lead to meaningful success.”
Being on the panel has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s allowed me to share my lived experience, listen to diverse student voices, and work alongside passionate individuals from the Department of Education and across Victoria. I’ve collaborated with students from government, Catholic, independent, and regional schools – each with unique perspectives shaped by pathways like the VCE Vocational Major, School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, and Vocational Education and Training. These discussions have reminded me that success looks different for everyone and every student deserves to feel proud of their achievements, regardless of the path they take.
This panel gave me the platform to be bold, to speak from the heart, and to advocate for real change. It reminded me that VCE is not the only road to success. Whether you're a VCE Vocational Major student, doing a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, or someone taking an unconventional route, your journey is valid, valuable, and worth celebrating. I now know that succeeding means finding pride in your own path, no matter what it looks like. The panel didn’t just give me a seat at the table, it empowered me to speak up and make that seat count.
“Whether you're a VCE Vocational Major student, doing a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, or someone taking an unconventional route, your journey is valid, valuable, and worth celebrating”
The panel showed me that real change in Victoria’s education system begins when students speak up. I’m proud to continue advocating for those who feel unheard, and to help shape a future where every student’s pathway in Victorian schools is valued, supported, and celebrated.
To any student thinking about getting involved: do it. Your perspective is needed, your experiences are valuable, and your voice can create real change. The future of education is shaped by those who choose to speak up, let that be you.
I encourage every student to step forward and be part of the change. When we share our stories, we reshape the system for the better. Your voice has more power than you realise and the panel is a place where it truly makes a difference.