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Life after Radford with Zachary Gan (Class of 2019)
In 2019 Zachary gained an ATAR score of 99 and was awarded Dux of Radford College.
Zachary shares his highlights from his time at Radford and advice to current students (including listening to your parents)!
What does life after Radford look like for you now?
I now stay in Fig Tree Hall, a fully catered college within UNSW (next to the Kensington Colleges, such as Goldstein, Baxter etc.). Although university hasn’t officially commenced, my life might probably primarily involve eating meals at the Goldstein dining hall with friends (both from Fig and other colleges), attending lectures and tutorials on campus, playing sport socially (badminton, basketball, soccer), going to the uni gym and practicing music within college facilities. At some point I’d probably like to play badminton a bit more competitively.
Outside of campus, myself and friends would likely occasionally visit restaurants, Maccas, bubble tea shops, Coles, amongst other establishments.
My family (parents and younger sister, currently Radford yr11) are still staying in Canberra. Thus, I’ll probably visit them at the end of each term break and at the end of the year.
Some of my other hobbies might include gaming with friends from college and beyond or hanging out in the Fig Tree “mezz” (mezzanine floor with pool table, Nintendo Switch, table tennis etc.)
What was your favorite Radford moment?
I have many! Highlights would certainly include Year 10 camp, Year 12 Revue, Year 12 Formal and chemistry class with Mr Robards. Other fond memories would include many of the funny chats myself and my friends have shared during free periods.
Any role models or inspirational figures?
No one in particular. However, I certainly look up to inspirational people such as Elon Musk and Bill Gates. I admire how great of an influence they have had on the world, and their ongoing commitments to make the world a better place. They show that an single person is capable of great feats. Individuals are not powerless.
I also look up to my dad, as he is proof one can become very successful from scratch.
How easy was it to decide what you wanted to after Radford?
Honestly, I still have not figured out entirely what to do with my life! I am currently studying Medicine at UNSW and I hope I will enjoy it and it will lead to a rewarding career in the medical field. However, I don’t believe anything is set in stone. If for some reason medicine doesn’t work out I would consider changing to engineering.
Honestly, deciding what course to go into was not an easy decision by any means. I believe that it’s ok if you don’t know what to do straight out of school! As an 18 year old I still lack a lot of life and workplace experience.
Did you further study or career go exactly as you’d planned?
During year 11 and year 12 I did have the goal of gaining entry into UNSW medicine. Luckily, I was successful with this! So I guess I can say that my further study has gone to plan as of now. However, I have not yet commenced my medical degree so we will have to see what happens! I hope it is less stressful than school.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were at Radford?
Having only graduated from Radford a few months ago! I have also not commenced any formal studies at UNSW. If I had to provide some advice I would say that make sure you go into uni with an open mind – ready to meet and become friends with all kinds of people.
Don’t stress if something isn’t working out at the moment.
What advice do you have for current students…
Anything else you would like to share… I wish all current students in Radford the very best for 2020. I also encourage my fellow students (Class of 2019) to attend as many of the reunion events as they can! |