Entrepreneurial Marian Catholic College dux secures scholarship, begins degree at Wollongong

Marian Catholic College student Jess Moraschi was just 14 when she launched her own soap making business, but her side career didn’t distract from her studies.

She continued topping her classes and graduated Year 12 with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 94.5, making her dux of her school.

Her hard work has been further rewarded by winning the Tertiary Bursary Scholarship from Soroptimist International Griffith, an organisation that encourages women to pursue tertiary education.

“The ladies came and spoke to us at school; it was a pretty straightforward process – I did my application [and] got selected for an interview which went really well,” Ms Moraschi said.

“I get $1500; it’s so helpful as there are many costs associated with relocation.”

This week, Ms Morachi left Griffith to move to Wollongong, where she will study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English literature, creative writing and sociology.

“My long-term plan is to get a Masters of Secondary Education, but I want to explore my passions first before getting into teaching. It gives me more flexibility.”

Region profiled Ms Moraschi as part of our regular series that focuses on Year 12 graduates doing amazing things in 2024, asking her to reflect on her time at school and plans for the future.

Name: Jess Moraschi

Age: 18

Schools: St Patricks, Marian Catholic College.

Best memory of school: I really enjoyed the relationships and bonds I made with my peers; we were always in each other’s corner when we shared that experience of stress. Griffith City Library was an absolute asset; it was a fun place to go when studying.

Naughtiest thing you ever did at school: I didn’t do much rebellious, but a couple of times if I had a study class I may have gone home and crashed. There was also a couple of very late nights when I crammed.

Teachers that inspired you: My mentor Mr Herb was incredible. He always showed up for me and went the extra mile and provided great emotional support. My year co-ordinator Ms Savage was very supportive and always checking in.

One thing you’d change about the education system: The ranking systems can be a little bit unfair, especially for rural schools. We have less access and resources compared to schools in Sydney; that needs to be taken into account.

Famous people you most admire and why: American poet Silvia Plath and German novelist Franz Kafka were very forward-thinking for their time. Politically and socially they held ideas that weren’t acceptable. That’s inspirational, especially when it comes to writing, which I love to do.

Plans for next year: I am going straight to Wollongong to study; I fell in love with the town when I visited. The campus is very green and it’s not overly urbanised and the beach is great.

What will you miss most about Griffith: Probably my family – seeing them every day, being able to come home to my mum and dad if I’ve had a stressful day.

What won’t you miss about Griffith: How far it is away from anything. It’s a bit isolated.

Best advice you ever got from your parents: My dad has always said the bottom line is to just work hard – nobody can ever take that away from you. Hard work will never fail.

Social issue you most care about: Youth mental health and access to facilities and services in rural areas. Often people have to go on a waitlist for several months and that shouldn’t happen.

Special skills: At the age of 14, I started a soap business; I learned about marketing, advertising and wholesaling.

Dream career job: I’d love to work in pastoral care or student wellbeing, especially somewhere overseas.