The Year 12 Camden Haven High School graduates received their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) on the morning of Friday, December 14. 

Storm received 95.7 and Rebecca achieved 92.8. 

Both Storm and Rebecca didn’t set alarms to check their HSC exam results at 5.30am in the morning on Thursday, December 13.

Rebecca wants to be a speech pathologist and will study at either Newcastle or Queensland University. 

While Storm achieved high results, she has no plans to go to university. 

She is passionate about maintaining good health and an active lifestyle. 

“Without your health you really don’t have anything,” she said. 

Storm will study an advanced certificate of health coaching through an online course, which will take about 12 months to complete. 

She plans to work and live locally to help clients through one on one sessions. 

Meanwhile for those whose marks may not have reached their expectations, there are many options still ahead.

NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Kellon Beard said students who did not achieve the HSC mark they were hoping for not to worry, and that there is a vast range of possible post-school opportunities. 

“A strong ATAR is not necessarily a guarantee of future success. It’s more important for young people to follow their passions,” he said.

Donna Judge, community engagement lead at headspace Port Macquarie, said the local branch has had an upturn in calls asking for help during this time.

“For young people who have just finished their HSC the last few years has been gearing towards this moment and it can be extremely tough finding out you didn’t do as well as you hoped or expected,” Ms Judge said.

“We want to remind all students that their final school grade doesn’t define you and support is available to navigate this tough time if needed,” she said. 

For more information visit https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/