Claudia Torresan plans on becoming a psychologist. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Marian Catholic College year 12 graduate Claudia Torresan has had an incredible past three months. In August, she gained an early entry to her dream course of a double degree in psychology and cognitive brain science via Macquarie University’s leaders and achievers scheme.
She later found out she’d also been nominated to sing at the Sydney Opera House through the Encore program, whereby the best HSC music students are chosen to perform at the famous venue. In the next few weeks she’ll find out if she’s chosen among the final 20 students who will make their way to the harbour city.
Claudia is also known as the first person in Griffith to make and sell Gozleme – a stuffed Turkish flatbread – which she used to serve at her father’s cafe.
Region caught up with Claudia to find out about her best and naughtiest moments at school, inspirations, plans for next year, special skills, dream career, what she’ll miss most about Griffith and whether she plans to return
Name: Claudia Torresan.
Age: 18.
Schools: Marion Catholic College (secondary), St Patrick’s (primary).
Best memories of school life: Becoming school captain in year 12; fundraising for the Griffith MND support group and Ronald McDonald charities.
Naughtiest thing you ever did at school: I’m such a Goody Two-shoes. The worst thing I did was not handing in a draft for homework.
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Teachers that inspired you: Mr and Mrs Segrave and Mr Herb.
One thing you’d change about the education system: The HSC final exams are not an indication of anyone’s intelligence or work ethics. I would like to see how we are assessed changed so we’re not under so much stress.
Role model: My mum [Rayma Torresan] is a massive inspiration; we are really, really close.
Claudia with her mum and hero, Rayma. Photo: Facebook.
Famous person you most admire and why: Margaret Atwood [Canadian poet and novelist]. I love her books and the way she talks about writing.
Plans for next year: I was going to do a gap year but since it’s a five-year degree I thought I’d get started straight away at Macquarie University.
Best advice you ever got from your parents: To trust yourself and your intuition.
Social issue you most care about: I’m a big feminist. Equality and gender roles is something I’m passionate about.
Special skills: Making gozleme, singing and playing soccer.
What will you miss most about Griffith: Being with my family and the sense of community we have. You can’t replace knowing people when you walk around the street and having that sense of security.
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One thing you won’t miss about Griffith: Being so far away from everything.
How will you support yourself living away from home: I’m working now to save up and I have worked through high school. I will get a job once in Sydney.
Will you come back to Griffith after your studies? Why/why not: It’s definitely an option, it’s a long time to plan for. The shortage of mental health workers means I would be needed. Griffith has a lot of potential and I hope it will grow into a place that people will want to come back to.
Dream career: I’d love to get a doctorate in psychology and I’d love to write a book – either fiction or non-fiction.
If you know a year 12 grad doing something special next year, please drop us a line at [email protected]
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