What are the Trailblazer Awards?
The Trailblazer Awards celebrates Year 11 and Year 12 students beyond their ATAR, recognising those who have overcome personal challenges and used their final year of school to positively impact their community.
Our Trailblazers will have the opportunity to build their personal brand and profile as a future leader, learn how to successfully apply for Early Entry, Scholarships, Co-Op, and Cadetships Opportunities, and so much more!
Find out how Rachel navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Rachel Mathews
Category: Science & Technology
School: Barker College
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Aerospace Engineering, with a dream of working at NASA
Achievements
- Media captain for Barker College’s robotics team, leading the production of engaging videos and managing the YouTube channel.
- Won the Southern Cross Regional robotics competition, earning a spot in the world championships.
- Volunteered at VEX regional and national competitions, promoting robotics and inspiring younger teams.
- Active participant in the University of New South Wales Girls in Engineering program.
- Engaged in various co-curricular activities, including symphonic wind ensemble, school volleyball team, CRU (school’s Christian group), and Duke of Edinburgh program.
What makes Rachel a Trailblazer?
Rachel, a Year 11 student at Barker College, is a Trailblazer in the field of robotics and STEM. As the media captain for Barker College’s robotics team, Rachel has been instrumental in creating captivating videos and managing the team’s YouTube channel. Her dedication to showcasing the team’s achievements and promoting robotics within the school community has resulted in an average view count of 600 on YouTube and 4,700 views on the school’s Instagram page.
Rachel’s exceptional leadership skills were demonstrated when her robotics team won the Southern Cross Regional competition, earning them a spot in the world championships. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, such as editing videos, assisting with mechanical work, and emceeing robotics competitions, showcases her flexibility and commitment to excellence. Rachel’s efforts not only contribute to her team’s success but also inspire and encourage younger robotics enthusiasts.
In addition to her robotics achievements, Rachel actively participates in the University of New South Wales Girls in Engineering program. This program allows her to collaborate with like-minded girls pursuing engineering careers and engage in projects related to biomedical engineering. Rachel’s involvement in this program highlights her passion for STEM and her desire to empower other young women to pursue careers in engineering.
Beyond robotics and STEM, Rachel engages in various co-curricular activities within her school community. She is a valued member of the symphonic wind ensemble, showcasing her musical talents, and excels as a member of the school’s volleyball team. Rachel also actively participates in CRU, a Christian group that fosters personal and spiritual growth, and contributes to the Duke of Edinburgh program through volunteering efforts.
Rachel’s dedication to her chosen career path is evident through her participation in a career mentoring program with an aerospace engineer. Through regular meetings and guidance from her mentor, she gains valuable insights into the aerospace industry and is actively preparing herself for future opportunities.
With her exceptional achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to STEM, Rachel Mathews is truly a trailblazer. Her passion for robotics, dedication to promoting STEM education, and aspiration to pursue aerospace engineering make her a role model for her peers and an inspiration for future generations. Rachel’s unwavering determination and enthusiasm are sure to propel her towards a successful career in the field of engineering, and she rightfully earns her place among our Top 50 Trailblazers!
The Top 50 Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazer Awards
The Trailblazer Awards aim to identify and celebrate students who use their final years of school to invest holistically in the skills and experiences that will maximise their own future opportunities and make a contribution to the future of our society.
Our winners for the Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazer Awards have demonstrated initiative in volunteering for their school or community, have participated in co-curricular activities, and have held leadership positions within their schools.
Learn more about who placed in the Top 50 Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazers here!
About Art of Smart Education
At Art of Smart Education, we’re an award-winning provider of holistic tutoring and mentoring for students in years K-12. Our mission is to help students answer the difficult question, “What am I going to do with my life when I finish school, and how do I get there?”
We understand that true success involves mastering study, career and leadership skills while maintaining your wellbeing, not just excelling in academics and as a result, over the last decade, we’ve supported over 10,000 students to achieve their best and maximise their options for life after school.
Each year over one million young Australians, parents, and teachers access our guides, videos and resources to navigate the journey through high school.
