ATAR results have been released but they might not meet expectations

Despite another year of lockdowns, stop-and-start returns and online learning, their secondary education journey comes to an end with the delivery of a two digit number.

Horsham College 2021 Year 12 captain Bella Panozzo said all year 12 students should be proud of themselves.

"Regardless of what this year's graduates achieve, they can still pursue whatever they put their minds to," she said.

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"There are numerous avenues that can be taken and there definitely isn't one set destination."

While it's a great effort and worthy of celebration no matter what the result looks like, students may feel disheartened by their score.

Headspace Youth Engagement and Community Awareness Officer Trina Gloury offered advice for any students who feel disappointed with their ATAR.

"It's okay to be disappointed, but remember you are more than an ATAR score," she said.

"It's a number that doesn't define you or your future. So many other opportunities still lay ahead of you. It has been an especially hard year with COVID, so every student has done so well to get through the year.

"You should all be really proud of your efforts, rather than your score."

Like Ms Panozzo, Ms Gloury said there is more than one way to follow your dreams.

"Don't feel like you have to have your entire life planned out," she said.

"If your score does affect the plans you had, take a deep breath and reassess your plans. There are lots of different pathways to take to still be able to do what you want."

"Reach out to a friend or family member and let them know how your feeling. They've likely been in the same position and can reflect on how the ATAR didn't define their life.

"Alternatively, if you don't have any friends or family you can turn to, get in contact with Headspace if you need to speak to somebody. We have a range of mental health clinicians. There is also eheadspace, which offers one-on-one support online or via phone call. It's confidential, free and provides a safe space to talk."

Contact Headspace on 1800 650 890 or visit headspace.org.au/

The Wimmera Mail-Times would like to congratulate all year 12 students on a cracking effort for 2021 and wish them all the best for 2022.

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