Ned Harrison's advice to students leaving high school this year

Name

Ned Harrison

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn.

What high school did you go to?

Scotch College, Melbourne  

What made you choose Trinity?  

I have had some family that have been through Trinity – my dad and sister – as well as many friends. The general and overwhelming response to their time at Trinity were all great experiences that you would struggle to achieve anywhere else, as well as genuine amounts of fun.

What are you studying at university? 

Agricultural Science.

What made you choose this field of study? 

I was very unsure about the course and field of work I desired to be in (still am in all honesty), yet through talking to past students I found agriculture to sound broad with the work and jobs that come out of the degree.

The greatest appeal was that the majority of the jobs I heard people who had done agriculture are in now really have no correlation to the industry itself, which showcased to me that I’m not locked in to agriculture for the rest of my life and that this degree can perhaps take me anywhere.

At high school, did you know you wanted to go to college while at uni?

I always wanted to be at a college when studying at university. Although at times I was unsure on where I wanted to study – applying for Canberra, New South Wales and Queensland universities – throughout these applications I would always apply for the respective colleges at these universities.

How would you describe the residential community at Trinity? 

Trinity is a seriously welcoming place. The second you come through the gates you are overwhelmed by activities, committees, societies, clubs, and sporting teams that you can get involved in. It really is a place for everyone and anyone as there are so many options for so many different types of people. It’s just awesome.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about college life? 

The ability to live with who will soon become some of your closest friends is something I find so amazing and am very grateful for. I also find the sporting games and events amazing at Trinity and feel they are run far better than at any other college. 

Have you been involved in any sports teams, committees or societies?

In my first year, I was lucky enough to be a part of the rugby, rowing and table tennis teams. Sport throughout my first year of college was one of my biggest highlights.

Have you done anything at Trinity that you’d never tried before?

I feel my role as Jester (the college mascot) was something unique to Trinity that I wouldn’t have been able to experience anywhere else. Being able to lead and helping to get 150 freshers to get to know each other was an awesome experience.

Do you think living on campus enriched your university experience?

Being based on campus vastly helped me with my university studies. Being able to study with friends in great study spaces – something you would not be able to achieve at home – set me up to be in a better position for my academic studies.

What is your favourite high school memory? 

My favourite high school memory would have to be the time I spent down in the rowing sheds throughout my final season of rowing.

Is there anything you learnt at high school that has set you up well for uni life?

Academically, university is very different to school in the sense of independence. I feel I gained a great sense of independence in my study throughout year 12 as the online scene was very new to everyone, and you had to figure it out yourself – which is the case for a lot of things at university.

What advice would you give to students in their final year of high school when it comes to deciding what to do next year?  

If you are thinking about taking a break, I would completely support you as I wanted to do the same. However, I believe you must have a plan for your gap year as you don’t want to waste a year and not achieve something cool.

If you feel you want to get straight back into studies, I could not recommend college enough as there are so many things you can participate in and achieve here that just cannot be done anywhere else.

Want to join us at Trinity College next year? Apply now.