A Maribyrnong student from Haileybury has been awarded a Premier’s VCE award for his achievements in Chinese Second Language.
Stanley Chi said he had not expected to get the premier’s award, but it was a nice surprise.
“I was honestly a bit surprised to find out I’d won because I was a bit pressed for time in the final exam,” he said.
“I felt like my hard work had paid off.”
For Stanley, his passion for the language stems from family.
“My parents were more excited about it than I am, because they helped me a lot with my Chinese studies,” he said.
“If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this accomplishment.
“My favourite thing about being able to read and speak Chinese is that it allows me to communicate with my grandparents.
“They don’t speak English, so this allows me to maintain a close relationship with them.”
Becoming fluent in Chinese is a combination of the right learning environment and dedication, according to Stanley.
“Growing up in a Chinese speaking family and surrounding myself with the best teachers allowed my speaking ability to improve steadily.”
Stanley is also studying English, Specialist Maths, Chemistry and Physics this year.
“My favourite subject currently is physics, I find the practical investigations interesting and engaging, especially that one time we went to Luna Park to learn about circular motion by going on rides,” he said.
“My passions outside of school include participating in sporting activities such as swimming and basketball.
“I’ve been swimming since I was six , competing on a national and state level for seven years.
“All these years of swimming has allowed me to make many good friends outside school who I still keep in touch with.”
Jennifer Pittorino
