Sana Azizi started at GVGS in Year 7 in 2020 after successfully applying for a Social Justice Scholarship. Being the first person in her family to attend the School, her transition to GVGS felt daunting at first.
“I was really nervous on my first day. I didn’t have any siblings or friends already attending and I didn’t even know where the School was. I live in Kialla, so it felt very far away from home back then and that was intimidating. I didn’t know if I was going to make friends and I had to take the bus, all the things that stress you out in Year 7,” she recalls. “The first two weeks were difficult because I’m such an introverted person, but eventually I met some people and I’m still friends with them today. In the end, I couldn’t have asked for better people to surround myself with, both students and teachers.”
Sana has been part of the School’s Music Programme throughout her time at GVGS. She started playing the violin in Year 7 and has continued to do so until Year 12.
“I’ll be playing at graduation, which will be fun. I’m part of the string orchestra and we meet every week to practice at lunchtime,” she says. “I love the violin, when I was younger, I would see videos of people playing and hear it in songs, and I just really liked it. It’s a very delicate instrument, so you need to be precise when you play and it can be so calming when you get it right.”
In 2026, Sana is planning to study a double degree in Pharmaceutical Science and Chemical Engineering at Monash University.
“I enjoy chemistry as a subject and I’ve always had an interest in medicine,” she explains. “This double degree feels like the right path for me.”
A highlight of Year 12 for Sana was the school camp to Melbourne, which included a visit to the Monash University Parkville campus, home to the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
“I decided to check it out, and I really liked it,” she says. “The buildings had a great vibe, and everyone was so lovely. Year 12 camp really confirmed my decision – before it, I was leaning towards pursuing medicine, but visiting the Parkville campus made me certain I wanted to do the double degree.”
Reflecting on her years at GVGS, Sana is grateful for the School’s encouraging and inclusive culture and the way it has shaped her secondary school experience.
“I had my doubts about making connections or getting the support I needed, but I got everything I could have ever wanted or needed and more,” she reflects. “The teachers are always there for me and you can genuinely feel how strong the school culture is. It’s amazing to be a part of that.”
With the end of Year 12 fast approaching, Sana will be cherishing these final moments with her friends.
“Now that a lot of the big events have passed, I’m looking towards the end of the year,” she says. “The whole year level feels closer than ever and I have a connection with these people that I’ve been building since 2020. I’m looking forward to enjoying these final weeks together, right before we part ways and start the next chapter of our lives.”
