“Once you start (the exams) you just have to give it your best shot and know that you can’t do anymore,” she said. 

Josee said it’s normal for people to put pressure on themselves to achieve highly. 

“You see it a lot with your peers as there’s is a lot of competition between each other,” she said. 

“I think it’s important to do your best as it’s not worth stressing too much over.

“It’s just one year that you’re being measured on.” 

Josee was born in Port Macquarie and has lived in Bonny Hills for the last eight years. 

She said she will be sad to move away from the area but is excited about the opportunities which lie ahead. 

With her high ATAR score Josee has been accepted into the University of Sydney’s Dalyell scholars program. 

The initiative aims to challenge and extend students through providing mentoring opportunities, real-world projects and insights into research across disciplines.

Josee is planning on pursuing her interest in environmental science and conservation. 

“There are so many environmental challenges at the moment,” she said. 

“I’d like to work in that field to try and address the challenges.” 

Josee wants to help work towards sustainability for the whole economy across businesses. 

“Try to preserve the environment and balance use of land,” she said.  

Josee attended St Columba Anglican School and said she will miss the supportive school community and the friends she made there. 

She is currently working hard at Ticoba Blueberry and Avocado farm for the second season. 

“I really like working on the farm,” she said. 

“It’s cool to be part of that first point in the process of getting blueberries to the shop for people to buy them.”  

On the day the result came out Josee was working at the farm and she texted her family the result. 

Josee’s family are very proud of what she has achieved. 

Josee studied advanced english, mathematics, ancient history, geography, biology and chemistry.

She has received cards from people in the community congratulating her on the positive result.