Genevieve Hackett

Sir Samuel Griffith Connect Scholarship, Griffith University

Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Engineering, Griffith University 2021

What does it mean to you to have been awarded a scholarship? 

It is absolutely surreal. I never thought I would be awarded this scholarship in a million years and I am so grateful to have even been able to be considered. The moment I found out I wanted to tell everyone I knew and I will be forever content to know that my hard work has paid off.

When did you first know you wanted to be a pilot?

I don't think there was ever a specific moment in my life where I thought, "I want to be a pilot." It was always a distant thought in my mind however, and I always enjoyed flying in any of its forms - it always filled me with an excitement that nothing else could do. Now, as I have recently taken my first solo flight, the exhilaration I feel increases constantly and I am always looking forward to my next flying lesson.

What are you most looking forward to about University?

I am looking forward to learning new things - I know it's a pretty standard answer but I really enjoy consuming information about anything, especially about flying. I am also extremely excited to meet new people who are just as passionate as I am about aviation, and I think that overall, university will be a really rewarding experience.

What would be your dream job in 10 years time?

My dream job in 10 years time would definitely have to be anything to do with flying - especially a flying job that involved travel. I love going to new places and experiencing new cultures, so to combine flying, whether that's for a commercial airline or freight or anything else, with travel, it would be a fulfilment of my biggest dream. 

Jade Phalen

Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design, Torrens University, 2021 

Stylist, Alice McCALL

What is your first memory of being interested in fashion?

It was actually playing with Polly Pockets, and having the opportunity to style their outfits. The Polly Pocket plane also came complete with a catwalk which was handy for putting on my own fashion shows. I also had a strong voice in choosing my own outfits, mixing and matching stockings and boots, or trousers and skirts. I was inspired by TV advertisements, and fashion walkway tours.   

What have you learnt from your first job at Ghanda?

I think the most important thing has been being able to connect with people over a love of clothes. It’s also important to appreciate that people express their personalities through their styling choices. I also developed the ability to work at a fast pace, but still maintain a customer presence and multi-task.

What have you learnt since beginning your new job at Alice McCALL?

As a designer label, there is a story behind every piece and every collection. As stylists we need to appreciate the designer’s intent, and it’s great to share that with the client. I enjoy seeing the artistic inspiration behind each collection, and learning about fabrics used: how they wash, and how they work in each season. Stylists have to be able to match shoes and make up to a look and invest in the story behind each piece. I am really pleased that on my fourth shift I made top sales for the day in store.  

What do you think made you competitive in being offered this new job?

I think it was my obvious passion for fashion which shone through. I tried to be open and honest in the interview, and authentic in my enjoyment of this industry. I think they were looking for a strong work ethic and the confidence to make sales.

What do you hope to get out of the degree at Torrens?

Hopefully lots of back up study to inform more practical work. I’m looking forward to actually designing clothes and having the opportunity to create unique items.

Where will you be in 10 years?

Where do I start – hopefully I will have developed my own super unique label, and visited New York Fashion Week! I would like to establish my own YouTube channel dedicated to styling tips and my own brand Jade Elise, with a focus on beauty and skin care. I’d also like to show people how to make more generic items from Kmart and Target style in a way that looks good.

- END

We wish Jade and Genevieve and all our graduating Year 12’s the very best as they pursue their future careers.