The Premier’s QCE Student Award winners for 2025 share their inspiration, goals for the future and advice to current students.
Their stories are shared with permission.
Doris Wei
Mansfield State High School
Seeing people who are really passionate about what they do inspires me to try new things and give it my all.
Career goal
To make a positive impact in research or innovation. I hope I can help discover more about our universe and share science, art and education with people along the way.
Study plans
Mathematics and Computer Science at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Literature. I had an incredibly wise and funny teacher, and each lesson always brought an interesting conversation.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
The things that seem the scariest to start now will end up being the experiences that have made you grow the most. So just get started, and make all the improvements you need along the way!
Zali Engel-Bowe
All Saints Anglican School (Merrimac)
Take every opportunity and make the most of it or you’ll regret it later and never know what could have been.
Career goal
To follow my passion to be an actor and perform on stage or on screen.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Screen and Stage (Acting) at the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory and an Associate of Trinity College London qualification in Speech and Drama (Teaching).
Favourite subject in Year 12
Drama. It was such a safe and fun environment where I could be myself, challenge myself and constantly push myself to be my best.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Keep doing the things you love while studying as it’s important to have other interests. It’s beneficial to your mental health. Don’t surround yourself with people who don’t support you and lift you up. Find the people that make you happy and that you can be yourself around.
Jayden Fulwood
The Gap State High School
I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me to pursue my dream.
Career goal
To pursue music professionally, whether that’s with gigging, composition, teaching or a mixture of all three.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Music at Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Music Extension (Composition) as I loved the creativity and freedom it offered. It gave me great opportunities to focus on my own work, as well as connect with my peers in music-related discussions.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Do what you love, otherwise you’re not going to have a good time. And have fun, because school goes a lot quicker than you think it will.
Timothy Debattista
St Joseph's College (Brisbane)
These are the best years of your life, don’t let them slip between your fingers.
Career goal
To explore as many avenues of architecture as possible and work for a firm that focuses on high-density residential projects. I would also love to travel the world so an international firm would be the dream.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Architectural Design and then Master of Architecture at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Literature allowed me to express and challenge myself creatively through storytelling. I loved analysing texts and finding deeper meaning, which I often try to apply to my everyday life.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Take it slow and enjoy the little things. Don’t let your marks distract you from what you love and the people you care for.
Maya Heath
Brisbane State High School
I am inspired by my mum and her hardworking attitude, which pushes me to work for what I love.
Career goal
To become a doctor.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Philosophy. I love considering different perspectives and world views.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Keep having fun along the way.
Finn Hing Fay
Brisbane State High School
My inspiration is Michael Scott from The Office. Not because he’s especially competent, but because he genuinely values people.
Career goal
To continue my Japanese studies from high school alongside my university studies and to potentially pursue diplomacy in the Asia–Pacific region.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Film Television & New Media allowed me to think about things in a different way, and provided me with a creative outlet.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Study at the library but go out for dinner with your friends afterwards. Break up your work by taking your laptop to a park.
Luke Oishi
Somerset College (Mudgeeraba)
I liked playing with model planes, which made me want to go into aeronautical engineering.
Career goal
Aeronautical engineer.
Study plans
Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry. Because it was fun.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Sleep.
Sarah Bigg
St Hilda's School (Southport)
You can’t wait until life isn’t hard before you choose to be happy.
Career goal
To become a doctor committed to using medicine to improve lives, advocate for equality in healthcare, and contribute meaningfully to my community.
Study plans
Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine through the University of the Sunshine Coast and Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Maths. It applies complex problem solving and reasoning, which I enjoy. It also requires perseverance and has taught me to look at problems from different perspectives.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Dream big and aim high. The best way to predict the future is to do everything you can to create it. Focus on consistent effort and becoming the best version of yourself, rather than comparing yourself to others.
Nevindie Botheju
Mansfield State High School
I am inspired by my parents who have made many sacrifices to provide a life of opportunity for my brother and me.
Career goal
To become a well-rounded doctor specialising in radiology or paediatrics.
Study plans
Medicine.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. I enjoyed exploring a variety of new and interesting concepts. Using them to solve unfamiliar problems was very satisfying.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Make a schedule and stick to it. Break big tasks into smaller parts. Schedule time for other activities you enjoy — it really helps you feel motivated and in control.
Nathan Chan
Brisbane Grammar School
I’m inspired by my Economics teacher, Mrs Berndt. She was so helpful and really enthusiastic about Economics beyond the classroom, encouraging me to apply analytical skills outside of assessments.
Career goal
To become an ophthalmologist.
Study plans
Medicine at Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Economics. You have to be able to adjust your assumptions and reasoning on the fly — having had the opportunity to practice realistic analytical thinking prepares me well for a medical career.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Academically, it's really important that you have a plan, and be honest to yourself about where you are, where you should be, and what you need to do to get there. And be kind to yourself — do something to unwind before the next assessment.
Chelsea Chern
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
I hope to combine research and humanitarian efforts to make a tangible impact on our community.
Career goal
To specialise in a medical field that both interests and challenges me.
Study plans
Medicine at Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Economics. I enjoyed how the lack of strictly ‘right’ answers made the subject challenging and encouraged creative problem-solving.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Maintain balance, and when school becomes challenging and overwhelming, remind yourself why you started and keep your end goals in mind.
Jeongmin Choi
Anglican Church Grammar School (East Brisbane)
I’ve always been someone who enjoys academics, but throughout high school, I also found satisfaction and fulfilment in volunteering in service events around my community.
Career goal
To become a doctor in the surgical field.
Study plans
Medicine at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. It combined one of my existing areas of passion (mathematics) and provided a whole new challenge.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Focus during class is the most important key to success. No amount of study at home can match the value of understanding the content when it’s taught, and being able to clarify any queries immediately with the teacher.
Lucian De Wet
St Joseph's Nudgee College (Boondall)
My whole family inspires me.
Career goal
Improve on and develop advanced cyber or AI systems within the military.
Study plans
Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. It was by far the most motivating and interesting subject because it had the most unique content and challenged me the most. I had great teachers for all my classes too.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Don't burn out before externals. Keep consistent but balanced study habits, and make time to do other stuff you want to. Use your teachers and learn the marking guides to work smart, and you won't need to study 24/7.
Imira Dewadasa
Brisbane State High School
I’d like to thank my teachers for guiding me and piquing my interest in my subjects, as well as the positive learning environment my school fostered.
Career goal
To work as an engineer, specialising in electrical engineering.
Study plans
Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)/Mathematics at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. Despite how abstract it could get, the variety of different, elegant approaches and the challenges of problem-solving made it enjoyable.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
The moments outside of studying during extracurricular or social activities were just as valuable as studying. A healthy balance is crucial, as it set me up for efficient study.
Cooper Dooley
St Joseph's College (Brisbane)
My mum is a massive inspiration to me. I admire the way she’s able to be so caring but at the same time super professional and work so well with people.
Career goal
To make a positive impact through medicine while meeting new people. I would also love to travel and play more frisbee.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Medical Science at Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Maths. I've had some great teachers who made class enjoyable and showed how much fun problem solving can be.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Keeping a balance with all aspects of your life, whether it be social, sporting or academics, can make a big difference and help with success in all areas.
Lily Gochee
Cairns State High School
My flute teacher, Jane, has been my greatest inspiration. She taught me to follow my passions, while always encouraging me to stay true to myself.
Career goal
To work as an electrical engineer in the energy sector.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the University of New South Wales.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry. I’m intrigued by the analytical side of chemistry and the critical thinking it develops. I also highly enjoyed refining practical skills.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
I highly recommend building your skills and qualities through extracurriculars — the discipline learnt from music, resilience at work, and collaboration in sports will always be worth the time they take.
Grace Gong
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Try to keep looking forward to what’s next instead of looking back.
Career goal
To become an engineer and create something that will better others’ lives into the future.
Study plans
Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)/Mathematics at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. I enjoyed learning a range of different concepts and seeing their real life applications. It was rewarding to see solutions finally come together neatly for challenging problems.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! Your brain needs it to work at its best. Year 12 can get busy quickly, so taking care of yourself and getting the rest you need is something to keep in mind throughout the year.
Matilda Grant
A B Paterson College (Arundel)
I’m inspired by people who do what they love, especially when it leads them on unconventional paths.
Career goal
To combine my love of mathematics with my passion for environmental action. I also plan to use my language skills to study and work overseas.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Mathematics at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. I love problem-solving and finding unexpected, creative solutions. It was interesting, challenging and I loved expanding my mathematical knowledge.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Pursue what you love, take time for yourself and find strategies to relax and calm your nervous system before exams.
Hanyu (Mido) He
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
I would like to thank my family for their ongoing support, my friends for believing in me even when I didn’t, and my teachers for their dedication.
Career goal
I hope to specialise in a field of medicine that will provide life-long learning opportunities.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Physics. I really enjoyed the intellectual process of problem-solving and seeing how textbook knowledge came to life in the real world.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Try your best, believe in yourself, and focus on the present.
Benjamin Li
Brisbane Grammar School
David Goggins inspires me because his story of constantly overcoming adversity reminds me that resilience is the greatest tool.
Career goal
To be involved in rural placements as part of my medical career since I know there are significant health disparities between rural and metropolitan Australia.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science at The University of Queensland with provisional entry to a Doctor of Medicine program.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry was my favourite subject as I engaged with a variety of skills and topic areas, ranging from calculations to explaining complex chemical processes.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Plan out your goals and the volume of work you need to do to achieve them. It's important to work towards them consistently, well ahead of time.
Shaun Li
Brisbane Grammar School
My parents are my greatest inspiration. Their dedication and hard work motivates me to follow in their footsteps.
Career goal
To help individual patients while also contributing to the medical field through research.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Psychology followed by a Doctor of Medicine at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Economics. Given my other subjects were in STEM, economics offered something different and opened up new perspectives.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Keep it balanced. Finding time for family, friends and extracurriculars makes the journey a lot easier.
Sunnie Lin
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
I am inspired by my friends. They each have their own way of tackling problems and their unique approaches to life always inspire me.
Career goal
To become an engineer and work alongside people with various skills to create and innovate.
Study plans
Engineering at the University of New South Wales.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry. It was interesting to see how different chemicals interacted, and I enjoyed problem solving and calculating using stoichiometry. I also enjoyed doing practical experiments.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Stay organised and plan when you will study each subject and when you will work on assignments. Always ask your teachers for help.
Mulan Ma
St Peters Lutheran College (Indooroopilly)
My main role models are my parents, who inspire me with their consistently strong work ethic.
Career goal
To study medicine and work towards a career as a doctor.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Biomedicine or Science with a concurrent diploma in music performance, followed by a Doctor of Medicine.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. It pushed me to think critically and work together with my peers to solve challenging problems.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
I would encourage future students to choose subjects they find interesting and are passionate about, and to make the most of high school and the academic and extracurricular opportunities offered.
Shafin Mostafiz
Brisbane State High School
My parents have inspired me because of the struggle and hardship they went through to migrate to this country to provide my sister and me the opportunity to pursue our education here.
Career goal
To be a surgeon. I would also like to obtain a private pilot licence.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science with provisional entry into a Doctor of Medicine at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. I had one of the best teachers who understood all the students on a deeper level and made complex topics seem very easy.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Take time for yourself. Enjoy high school, enjoy the time with your friends. Study with them and enjoy the experience.
Ella Na
St Rita's College (Clayfield)
I want to give back to the community and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
Career goal
To pursue a career in medicine, where I can combine my interest in science with meaningful service to others.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Japanese. It was fun to immerse myself in another culture, and it was a nice break from my more content-heavy STEM subjects.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
It's great to prioritise studying and make sacrifices for your dreams, but don't sacrifice your sanity.
Advait Naik
Somerset College (Mudgeeraba)
I’d like to thank my family for being so supportive and always making sure that I have every opportunity.
Career goal
To explore the field of mathematics and computer science as I am interested in AI and its applications.
Study plans
Not sure yet.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Maths. I loved being able to use my problem-solving skills to break down and solve unfamiliar questions.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Never doubt yourself and always stay confident in your abilities.
Zhenghao Ou
Cannon Hill Anglican College
Like many of my friends, my future plans seemed to change every year. It’s important to embrace that instead of putting pressure on yourself to lock in a career pathway.
Career goal
To have fun in whatever I end up deciding!
Study plans
A Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Economics. It challenged me to think critically and to consider a range of different viewpoints, as problems often had more than one correct approach. The class was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed our journey together through the year.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Ask every question you have, no matter how small or large! Your teachers are more than happy to help pick apart and resolve any problems.
Jay Patel
John Paul College (Daisy Hill)
I would like to thank my mum. She has pushed me to become the best version of myself.
Career goal
To become a doctor and have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Medical Science at Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Physics. The subject matter was interesting and I was able to apply my understanding while relating concepts together to solve complex problems.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Have fun in high school, as you will never get to experience it again. However, it is important to work hard and achieve the ATAR you need for your course.
Jude Purza-Page
The Southport School
I’m inspired by my family, friends and teachers who all wanted me to achieve as high as possible!
Career goal
To become a doctor, specialising in paediatrics or anaesthetics, combining my interest in teaching with my interest in healthcare.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine at Griffith University on the Gold Coast.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry. It combined my interest in health with broader scientific principles and encouraged me to think deeper about the intricacies of human nature. It helped that I had an amazing teacher, Mrs Waring, who always made our classes fun!
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Take it easy. Enjoy all the little moments of your final year and don't stress yourself over things you can't change. Be able to say that you gave everything a shot and always ask your family, friends or teachers for help if needed.
Harini Ramesh
Townsville Grammar School
Make time for making memories. As much as studying is important, it’s equally important to spend time with friends and family.
Career goal
To become a doctor and one day make a research discovery that helps a lot of people.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics because I enjoyed the content and had an amazing teacher who made it easy to understand.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Be consistent with studying. The best results come from putting in effort over a long period of time, rather than trying to cram for exams at the last minute.
Sydney Richter
Cairns State High School
I am inspired by those who can always find new solutions to problems. The perseverance and dedication to help others motivates me to do the same with my career.
Career goal
To pursue medical research to improve and discover disease and cancer treatments.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Philosophy (Science) at the Australian National University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
English & Literature Extension. It stimulated a completely different thought process compared to my other subjects. Although it was challenging, it encouraged me to combine complex philosophical concepts in unique ways.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Let your studies not be the end of the world. Do everything you want to do and make sure you keep in touch with your friends and do extracurricular activities.
Jonah Saba
Saint Stephen's College
I’d like to thank my friends for always being there for me, my teachers for giving me the tools to succeed, and my family for constantly supporting me.
Career goal
To be a paediatrician and travel.
Study plans
Medicine.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. I enjoyed challenging myself to understand difficult concepts, and the rewarding feeling of getting more of the complex questions correct.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
I would advise future students to push themselves to work hard when they have some energy, so that they can take care of themselves on the days that they really need it.
Ee Lin Saw
Somerville House (South Brisbane)
I’m inspired by my parents because I’ve seen them work hard and they have the courage to do things I could not imagine.
Career goal
To work in medicine and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Study plans
Medicine.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Mathematical Methods. I had a great teacher and I liked how there were clear, logical steps for each question.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
It isn't all about school. Keep doing things that make you happy.
Omer Shahid
Toowoomba Grammar School
I want to pursue medicine because it’s a rigorous degree that promotes lifelong learning.
Career goal
To become a medical practitioner who can make a difference in people’s lives, especially in rural and underprivileged communities where access to healthcare can be extremely challenging.
Study plans
Medicine.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Although Chemistry involves a lot of content, I enjoyed the challenge of bringing different concepts together and seeing how they interconnected.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Plan ahead and stay organised by breaking down assignments and external exam preparation into small, manageable chunks. Consistently chipping away over time reduces stress and leads to a much stronger understanding and outcome.
Tianyu Shen
A B Paterson College (Arundel)
I am inspired by my parents. Watching them face challenges with perseverance and integrity has taught me the value of commitment, and motivates me to give back to the communities I am part of.
Career goal
To contribute to decisions that have a positive impact on the world, possibly in STEM fields.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science and then pursue postgraduate study in the UK or US.
Favourite subject in Year 12
I liked Mathematical Methods a lot because of the problem-solving process, and Economics allowed me to apply logical reasoning and theoretical thinking to analyse real-world decisions, human behaviour, and outcomes.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Don’t be limited by the stereotypes of what a ‘good’ student should look like — success is personal, and it comes from consistent effort, persistence, and finding approaches that work for you.
Chengzhi Sun
Brisbane State High School
I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering support and belief over the years. I’d also like to thank my teachers and my friends for patiently answering my many questions and making me laugh.
Career goal
To work as a doctor while pursuing medical research. Long term, I also hope to travel and keep discovering the world.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science with provisional entry into a Doctor of Medicine at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
French because it allowed me to apply problem solving in a fun context. Learning another language also opened my eyes to new perspectives and made me realise how wide the world is.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Give everything you try your best, so you won’t have any regrets. Nothing is impossible.
Zhexi Teng
Brisbane State High School
I am inspired by my parents, who are both selfless and diligent. They drive me to try harder, do better, and become a kinder person.
Career goal
I’m currently interested in geriatrics due to its holistic and multi- disciplinary attitude towards patient health.
Study plans
Medicine at either The University of Queensland or Griffith University.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry. I really enjoyed learning the content, as it was quite intuitive and had lots of applications. I also had an amazing teacher and class.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Don’t love your studies, study your love.
Annabel Thomas
Mount Alvernia College (Kedron)
My teachers inspired me a lot. They always encouraged me to ask questions and ponder things more deeply, and helped me to grow both academically and personally.
Career goal
After becoming a doctor I plan to do an internship in Italy.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science at the Queensland University of Technology.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Chemistry and Physics. I love the sciences, Chemistry in particular, because it always feels like a new discovery when I learn and master something new.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Ask as many questions as possible, even if it goes beyond what you’re currently learning. Delving into a topic at a deeper level than what is expected will provide a greater breadth of knowledge and broaden your understanding.
Andrea Wang
Mansfield State High School
What I do in the long run is less determined by what I study, and rather the connections I make, and work I put in outside of school.
Career goal
Solving hard problems, meeting new faces, and hopefully, creating good solutions.
Study plans
Mathematical Physics at the University of Melbourne.
Favourite subject in Year 12
In Mathematical Methods, the content was chill, and my teacher had a well-organised OneNote. Physics was also cool, as asking questions often turned into debating theories with my teacher, which was brain-breaking but fun.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Ask more questions! Question yourself if you have any deeper questions. Keep asking until you understand the ‘why’ and the rest follows.
Tommy Wang
Brisbane State High School
Thank you to my parents, friends and teaching staff for their support.
Career goal
To have a career in medicine while pursuing my music interests.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Biomedicine and a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Economics. Holistically, it was the best: the content, classmates, and teacher(s) involved.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Treat Year 12 as a tennis match: one point at a time.
Hengchen (Eric) Zhang
Anglican Church Grammar School (East Brisbane)
Even when the next step isn’t obvious, trust it and let it carry you forward.
Career goal
To become a doctor and specialise in a certain field to make a noticeable, positive impact.
Study plans
A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine followed by a Doctor of Medicine.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Specialist Mathematics. The course content was the right balance between challenging and fun. Finding solutions to difficult and unorthodox problems was always equally rewarding.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Never underestimate the power of your intuition. For simpler questions, it can discount precious minutes off your thinking. For more challenging questions, it can be the spark that ignites uncertainty into progress.
Chris Zhu
Brisbane Grammar School
My parents inspire me — it is amazing how they were able to build wonderful lives in a different country.
Career goal
To go into medicine and possibly pursue research and teaching.
Study plans
Medicine at The University of Queensland.
Favourite subject in Year 12
Physics. Along with a wonderful teacher, Physics straddled the theoretical with the practical, enabling us to learn and explain what we commonly see day-to-day as theory.
Tips and advice for current Year 12 students
Use all those around you, especially friends (other students) and teachers. They are your biggest resources.
- Last updated:
- 14 February 2026
