Navdeep Birring knew he had done well in the HSC exams after years of dedicated study, but he was "shocked" at his 95.35 ATAR result.
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Waiting with bated breath for the minute hand to tick over to 1pm on Tuesday, the Marian Catholic College graduate diligently called his family immediately to pass on the great news.
"I was shocked, they were pleased, it was just a whirlwind," Navdeep said.
"It's just been study, study, study, sleep, study, study, eat and repeat."
He took Maths, English, Religion studies, Biology, Chemistry and Tafe's Human Services course, but said he had to work extra hard to improve his English marks.
Clearly paying off, he will be the dux of MCC's class of 2019.
MCC had 11 students receive high scores out of the 83 students sitting the HSC.
Other high achievers (in no order) included Daniella Gullotta, Georgia Bourke, Joeita Banerji, Kate Vaccari and Talissa Cerato.
Navdeep credits two special teachers "going above and beyond" in Maths and English for the support they provided throughout year 11 and 12.
"It can be hard at times, but staying motivated really does pay off.
- Navdeep Birring
He also thanks strong friendships that not only provided friendly competition but also welcome stress-relief.
"Me and my friend Joeica had a friendly rivalry, and we were pretty even in who was coming first in what subject, as we took most of the same ones," he explained.
"It was certainly a good motivator, and kept us both on our toes. I called her straight after to see how she went, she did really well too."
His advice to all those taking the HSC in the future, is to apply yourself the best you can, test your limits, but most of all learn how to unwind.
"It can be hard at times, but staying motivated really does pay off," he explained.
"If you put the effort in it will secure you a really good outcome.
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"But don't forget to keep a balance between study and your social life. My friends and I would go driving to escape, hang out, and de-stress."
He gave a special shout-out to Tarnpreet and Gunjun for the emotional support.
"I wouldn't have made it without them," he said.
Off to Melbourne, he is awaiting to hear from several universities.
Moving there in mere days, Navdeep is excited to start the next chapter of education and independent life.
With plans to continue his dream of nursing, he says he may chose to do post-graduate study in medicine.
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