Meet 2022 Andrew’s Scholar Austin Wallace. Austin (Fr 2022) is studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) at the University of Sydney.
Austin is a Sydney local, living in Lane Cove, however, he attended both the Australian International School Singapore (AIS) and King’s School in Parramatta where he was School Captain in 2021.
Austin’s wide range of interests include sport, the creative arts, the Cadets and community initiatives. He has also taken part in many academic challenges including the ‘Kid’s Cancer Project Write a Book in a Day’ which his team won, and visited Westmead Children’s Hospital as part of the prize.
We caught up with Austin to find out more.
What made you choose St Andrew’s College?
I choose St Andrew’s for two major reasons: Firstly, the idea of being involved in such a diverse group of individuals was a very exciting prospect to me. With freshers from over 70 different schools in our cohort, there is no shortage of interesting and impressive peers, which has allowed me to expand myself socially and personally. Secondly, the reputation of the College is one which pushes people to be their best, staying passionate and involved in their interests outside of school, which thus far I have aimed to make the most of.
What have been the highlights of your time here so far?
It’s difficult to choose a few highlights. All the events so far such as Highland Ball and sporting /performative events have been awesome. This comes down to the supportive environment in which everyone is able to achieve and be celebrated in their respective fields, no matter how obscure.
What are you looking forward to this year – in which areas are you planning to become involved within College?
Personally, I am looking forward to building relationships with my peers within the college. Further I am also keen to compete in both the Rawson Cup and the Palladian Cup as well as putting myself out there and trying my hand at all the countless different opportunities which are provided both in a formal and informal manner at College.
What does being a St Andrew’s Scholar mean to you?
To me, being a St Andrew’s Scholar means opportunity. The opportunity to immerse myself in a community filled with an exceptional culture I have come to love. The opportunity to receive support in all I try my hand at, academic and activity-wise. The scholarship means I have these opportunities which otherwise I would not have been able to, for this I am so thankful and excited to make the most of it.
What would you say to anyone considering applying to St Andrew’s?
The idea of college can be daunting, however, if you are keen to join an atmosphere of positivity and excellence, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, coming to St Andrew’s is a uniquely rewarding experience. I wasn’t 100% certain if college was for me prior to coming here, however, can now wholeheartedly say I would have regretted not taking this opportunity.