Andrew Stevenson - Class of 2015
Andrew graduated from QACI in 2015 after
achieving his IB Diploma and developing a signature creative identity in
Theatre and Design Technology.
Following his passion for acting and theatre making Andrew began study
at QUT in the Bachelor of Fine Arts
(Drama) program before heading to Melbourne where he is completing his final
year at Monash University studying a
Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and Performance).
Here’s more of Andrew’s story:
… I
graduate in November and have prospects to move to New York next year. I am
about to begin working in consultation with Vision
Australia and the vision impaired community to create theatre that is as
engaging for the visually impaired as it is for sighted audience members.
Recently, I was selected by Monash
University to travel to New York City on an intensive study scholarship; the
selection criteria included a video, an essay and series of interviews. The Monash Global Discovery Program is a
ten-day immersive, international internship with exclusive access to
influential global Monash alumni and their networks in New York City.
As part of the internship, I connected
and networked with hugely successful companies and Monash alumni working in New
York City. Some of these companies and places included YouTube, Google, The United Nations, New York Stock Exchange, QBE
and many more. QACI’s global minded approach
to learning played a huge role in preparing me for such an incredible
opportunity.
Since the internship, I have
developed some incredible connections and networks in NYC that have led to some
exciting opportunities for 2019. QACI and the International Baccalaureate
Diploma taught me the importance of communication, reflection and the significance
of having an open mind. All of these IB Learner Profile attributes allowed me
to make the most of such a life-changing opportunity.
I heard
about QACI when I was in Year 9. A friend who knew I loved acting and the Arts suggested that I looked
into continuing my schooling at QACI. QACI was a perfect fit for me to prepare
myself for the industry. Most importantly, I wanted to to learn and grow in an environment
that pushed me to make a difference, and to discover who I am and what my
purpose is.
My
advice for families who may be considering QACI for their high achieving
children is take the chance and DO it! Ever since
starting Year 10 at QACI in 2013, I have always promoted how many opportunities
the school opened for me to develop academically and personally. I still stick
by going to QACI as the best decision I have ever made; it formed the person I
am proud to be today, it taught me the importance of having a global mindset
and opened me to a learning culture that changed the way I view the world. QACI
is not just another high school, nor is it just a high school specialising in
the Arts. QACI is a journey of self-development and growth, nurturing graduates
to develop acute senses of empathy, global mindedness and passion. I fully
recommend beginning your journey at QACI.
Studying
the International Baccalaureate Curriculum was so engaging due to its global approach to
learning. In a world that is developing an increasing intercultural focus, it
is so important that people approach their work with a global mindset. The IB
promotes this and allows students to develop prospects internationally as well
as how to connect with people of different cultures, nationalities and
identities. The IB CAS (Creativity Activity Service) program assists in
developing a sense of selflessness and empathy, encouraging students to assist
and help the community as part of their studies. Studying the IB has provided
me with the tools to connect with people all over the world and to approach all
opportunities with an open mind. I can confidently say that I would not have
the international mindedness that I have today without studying the IB diploma.
Although all ten of the IB Learner Profile
attributes were integral to my journey at QACI, the two that particularly
resonate with me are striving to be a communicator
and reflective. In an
ever-competitive world, we often discover opportunity based on whom we know and
less often, for what we know. Having confidence and proficiency in
communication is incredibly vital in networking and connecting with new people.
Self-reflection was also a key part of my journey at QACI. Developing the
ability to engage in an experience, reflect on it and then initiate growth from
that experience plays a huge role in my continuing development. The IB Learner Profile
created the framework that supported me to grow and flourish; it enriched my
journey at QACI and nurtured my self-discovery, personal growth and social
development.
Find out about Monash University’s Global Discovery Program:
Please see Andrew’s video for the Monash Global Discovery Program and check out Andrew’s website.