Stawell Secondary College's Zoe McGregor faces rural connectivity issues while remote learning | The Graduation Project 2020

Already versed in a form of social isolation living on a farm, Stawell Secondary College's year 12 student Zoe McGregor wasn't too fussed about remote learning.

Learning from home meant she could step out her back door and take a break, spending time enjoying what she loves - spending time working on the farm.

The biggest challenge for most rural students was the lack of connectivity to access the learning.

"The first experience with online learning for me wasn't too bad, I was quite motivated and staying on top of most of my subjects' workload," Miss McGregor said.

"Many of the difficulties I faced with remote learning was living rural, north of Stawell on a farm.

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"I experienced a lot of internet problems and having to work around days where my internet was giving me issues."

When the announcement of a return to remote learning came through at the start of August, Miss McGregor said there was a moment of shock.

"Many of us didn't think a 'lockdown 2.0' would happen," she said.

"We expected that schooling would continue this time, it was a shock to us to hear that we would be going back to remote learning again in less than three days of hearing the announcement.

"Many of us, including myself, didn't want to experience another lockdown as we put a lot of effort into staying motivated and driven to complete the first round, then it would all be over, so experiencing it a second time around was very daunting."

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Miss McGregor said one of the things she found most difficult while remote learning was to stay motivated.

"There are many days where I don't get a whole lot of work done, I feel that there is not much giving me the drive to complete the work given out. Usually, we have a teacher on our tail to keep us on track and to stay motivated," she said.

"Another thing I find challenging is that we don't have our friends around us to celebrate our last year of schooling together.

"We have missed a lot of events that create the best memories, such as athletics and cross country, where we can dress up and let down a little from the stress and anxiety around year 12 studies. Now, there is an additional threat of even missing out on a graduation dinner."

Miss McGregor said sometimes it was hard to find the positives to learning from home.

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"One of the things I have enjoyed is being able to walk out the back door and be able to relax with the dogs, or head out and help dad with the odd farm job at lunch," she said.

As exams are edging closer for year 12 students, Miss McGregor said she wasn't "overly nervous" and that she will give it "her best shot".

"The result is what it is," she said.

"I have tried hard this year and I don't think I will be overly upset with the end result."

Miss McGregor said she was still undecided about what her future plans could look like.

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"My passion does lie with health and agriculture," she said.

"I have grown up loving the farm and the livestock so I would love to go down a pathway of livestock- possibly the health side, as I've been told "they don't talk back".

"I don't wish to pursue university if COVID-19 will take effect again. I want to experience an enjoyable time at a university, and not have to worry about getting sick, or the possibility of bringing it back to my hometown."

Miss McGregor said being disappointed "would be an understatement" with how she felt about 2020, but understood to need to keep the community safe.

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"At the end of last year I had one of my teachers encouraged a good friend and myself to sign up to the role of a house leader," she said.

"After many interviews, I was so excited to find that I had been nominated as house leader and was very keen to plan out lots of events and make it an enjoyable year for our year 12's and the rest of the school."

A large portion of year 12 students also turn 18 during their final year of schooling, an age that comes with obtaining a driver's license and more responsibility.

"After turning 18 in May, I was unable to be able to sit a hazard and driver's test," Miss McGregor said.

"I put in an exemption and was able to finally be able to sit both tests. It was going to be in Werribee early August.

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"I was nervous as I had never driven a car around Werribee, and the thought of my parents driving that far for me to fail made me quite worried.

"Thankfully restrictions were lifted and my appointment was moved to Ararat, so it took many of my worries away."

If you, or someone you know wants to take part in The Graduation Project contact - cassandra.langley@stawelltimes.com.au

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