Girls 2018 boarding captain at Geelong College, Olympia Binos, believes her life has changed dramatically since beginning boarding.
”I began my journey when I was in Year 8,” she said.
“Being the youngest child between both the girls and boys boarding house was quite hard in the beginning, however over my first year it got easier because of how friendly the older students were to me and the other younger ones.
“Before I was a boarder, I used to rely on my parents a great deal, from making my bed in the morning to making my school lunches and everything else really.
“Now, we clean up for ourselves, take responsibility arranging our time and for sorting out what we need.
“Since being in Mossgiel (the girls boarding house), I have developed into a more responsible and independent teenager.
“I really think that boarding at Geelong College provides a great base for our lives when we leave school.”
Olympia said there were some things people did not know about boarding that they should.
“Most people don’t know about how close everyone is,” Olympia said.
“It’s not just how close the girls are with each other, or the boys with each other, but how friendly the girls and boys are.
“What really helps this is the meal times we share together.
“We come together at breakfast and dinners. The tables are chosen by the Year 12 students, who aim to mix up all friendship groups and encourage people to mingle with others.
“Also, we have students coming from all around the world. This is really great because they get to integrate their cultures with ours, and we can all learn things from each other.”
Olympia believes it is a great achievement to receive a scholarship to a school like Geelong College.
“For someone to receive a boarding scholarship to Geelong College would be a huge accomplishment,” Olympia said.
“It might mean they were able to come here to school and to board.
“It is such a great opportunity so I’m glad that we have scholarships to help people.
”By being a part of the leadership group for Mossgiel in 2018, as a prefect and as a Year 12 student, I hope to be a role model for all the younger students.
“I think it is important for all older girls to act in a mature and respectful way towards the younger girls, so they get the right idea and have someone to look up to.
“I hope to use the time I have left well, take in every fun moment and activity, as well as doing my best with my studies.”
The college will hold open days on March 7, May 2, August 15, and October 24.
- Visit geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone (03) 5226 3156.
