It gives me confidence

a network of friends

teaches me how to be more organised

being a leader

The best thing about studying at a NSW government school was that

you felt part of the team

When I arrived at my school I felt really welcomed

I was part of the group

The teachers considered me as a new student

that is just come from a different country with a different background

but at the same time they treated me equally with the other students

which was good

The best thing about studying at a NSW government school

is the sense of belonging I received

from the teachers and friends and classmates

The teachers held lots of international students afternoon teas

and we could ask questions

and if we had any problems they were willing to help

That expression of kindness is what actually brings students out of the comfort zones

and they actually encourage their will to ask questions

I think that's the important fact

that help us to ease our path throughout the completion of our HSC

It was surprisingly easy to make friends at school

and some of them become my best friends

accompany me until university and in life now

But the best part was the supports that I gained from my teachers

my international student coordinator

and the career advisor at school

My advise to someone who wants to come and study at a NSW government school

is aim for a goal

and have your eyes fixed on that goal

My experience in studying in a NSW government high school

it definitely gives me confidence and gives maturity

And I guess those factors are really important for me

to continue onto next chapter of my life

I'm about to study combined Law and Engineering at University of Sydney

and I'm excited because I'm going to meet new friends

and I'm looking forward to studying there

At the moment I'm studying my final year doing Bachelor of Medical Science at University of Technology Sydney

Without the foundation that I've got from NSW government school

I wouldn't be able to attend a university and doing so well

Right now I am studying Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Secondary Education at the University of NSW

And I'm very excited to continue onto next stage of my life

And in the future

I hope I can become a respectful teacher of a NSW government high school

Right now I'm doing a double degree in Law and Science Information Technology

and I'm looking forward to the future

Because I see myself at some time as a lawyer who is working in Australia

and someone who is going to serve the people in the same way

that they have felt me be in the very place that I am today

The students have been nominated by the School Principals for the DEC International Student Award

for School Service or Academic Achievement

I would like to congratulate all the students with us today

Your achievements and contributions are credited to yourselves

your schools and your families

And I wish you every success in your future studies and careers