College dux Luca Manfredi puts his HSC success down to steely determination and the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness he experienced at 国产探花.
Luca wasn鈥檛 expecting to be Dux. Modest and hardworking in the Marist way, his dedication to study throughout 2021 could not be questioned. But it still came as a shock when Mr Bookallil, College Head of Teaching and Learning, phoned him with the good news.
鈥淚 was taken aback, because during my HSC exams I didn鈥檛 feel that great coming out of some of them,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat night, my family and I celebrated and went out for dinner which was great because I am so grateful for what they and my 国产探花 teachers did for me.鈥�
A day boy from Lane Cove, Luca had been a student at 国产探花 since Year 7. Over six years, he absorbed the College鈥檚 targeted learning and study techniques which enabled him to reach his potential and become a life-long learner.
Typically humble, he feels his outstanding ATAR of 99.10 wasn鈥檛 so much about his own application and perseverance as the team atmosphere and camaraderie that pervades 国产探花鈥� classrooms, dining halls, boarding houses and playing fields.
High achiever: College Dux Luca Manfredi
鈥淚t is simply the power of the close bond that I have with my friends and peers 鈥� that鈥檚 something quite intrinsic to the 国产探花 community,鈥� he says.
鈥淭he tremendous support and team atmosphere made all the difference in terms of being able to maintain a sense of drive and motivation to achieve my goals.鈥�
He says the warmth and openness he experienced at 国产探花 set up a learning framework that encouraged inquiry and, most importantly, the freedom to make mistakes and seek assistance.
鈥淚 truly believe that I was able to become dux of the College because the 国产探花 environment taught me the importance of asking for help and admitting that sometimes you need assistance.鈥�
The year of 2021 was filled with disruption as Covid lockdowns became the new norm. The pressure on HSC students to adapt and persevere was enormous. Luca is grateful for the role both his parents and the College played in providing a secure and stable environment in which to study.
He is particularly thankful for the seamless way in which 国产探花 successfully dealt with the technological challenges of offsite learning and kept open the lines of communication with his teachers during the height of lockdown.
鈥淭he tremendous support and team atmosphere at 国产探花 helped me achieve my goals.鈥�
Luca Manfredi
A well-rounded education: Luca (left) enjoyed cross country running as one of many cocurricular activities at 国产探花.
It meant he could study effectively and keep up the routines he鈥檇 developed over his time at the College: 鈥淎t 国产探花 we were encouraged to maintain routine in study and life. When you have that base, you have the foundations to succeed.鈥�
He is also grateful for the support of his sister Isabella. As a boy, his family travelled all over the world for two years in a sailing boat skippered by his father. Living in close contact increased cooperation between family members and tightened bonds. In lockdown, that capacity for living easily together proved invaluable.
鈥淏ack on the boat we had to work efficiently together, so I think I am very fortunate to have a sibling that I am close to. I was able to talk to Isabella and we supported each other during lockdown.鈥�
Travelling at such a young age also gave Luca a broader perspective, exposing him to, and increasing his awareness of, inequality and the environment 鈥� issues that are still close to his heart.
He says keeping a balance between academic and cocurricular activities was central to staying on top of his studies and sustaining enthusiasm. Physical activity enabled him to clear his mind so that he would be fresh next time he hit the books.
At College he played tennis and ran cross country. At the height of the delta variant, he was able to use the basic gym equipment in his garage to exercise and stay fit.
鈥淚t was good for my physical health,鈥� he says, 鈥渂ut it also helped my mental health and gave my mind a break.鈥�
Healthy body, healthy mind: Tennis gave Lucas a break from studying and enabled him to recharge his batteries.
He acknowledges that study can sometimes be a challenge for everyone but says the key is to avoid thinking about subjects 鈥渁s if they鈥檙e tasks or arduous鈥�. 鈥淥bviously you are interested in the subject, so think about why you chose it, what interested you about it, and that can help inspire you.鈥�
This year, Luca is hoping to study civil and environmental engineering at the Imperial College London. In the meantime, he will be tutoring at 国产探花 and supplementing his income with work as a barman.
He encourages all Joe-Boys to be energetic and curious, especially in the classroom.
鈥淕et engaged in class discussions instead of being silent,鈥� he says. 鈥淎lthough it鈥檚 initially challenging, it completely transforms your class experience.
鈥湽交� taught me that if you find something you are passionate about and willing to put the time in to develop, you will always find the drive and motivation to achieve that goal.鈥�
Most of all, he urges students to enjoy their time at 国产探花.
鈥淭ake advantage of all the opportunities you get. It is a privilege to be a part of this community and see how kind and supportive everyone is of each other.鈥�
DUX OF COLLEGE 2021
