On Friday, 6 December, Loyola College had the privilege of welcoming former student Kathryn Schuck (L: 98-03) as our Guest of Honour for the 2024 Loyola College Awards Ceremony.
In 2019, Kathryn established the practice now known as Inclusive Family Law and Mediation - where she currently holds the position of Director Principal. In addition to her own practice, Kathryn recently joined The Separation Guide, where she works as a Mediator guiding couples through the separation process.
Kathryn is a speaker, trainer, and a social justice advocate. She is a proud member of the Law Institute of Victoria, the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, the Resolution Institute, Victorian Women Lawyers, Pacifica Congress, and the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators.
During her Occasional Address, Kathryn reflected on her Senior Year House Public Speaking Grand Final (2003) - where her topic was 'Top Tips on Surviving Life at Loyola College'. It featured some interesting student advice about how to work the new drinks machine at the bottom of the B Block stairs to ensure you get the best chocolate milk, and other equally helpful practical advice for students!
Over 20 years later, upon her return to our school, she presented what she believed to be her 8 top tips on surviving life AFTER Loyola College:
EMBRACE OPPORTUNITIES
Life will provide you with many opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and to try new things. You won’t always be the best at everything you do, but you will grow and learn. And often the journey is far more important than the destination.
BE RESPECTFULLY CURIOUS
About people, about places, about things. Take the time to learn about and from others, and to develop genuine connections.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO LIFT YOU UP
Success is not an individual pursuit, but rather a team effort. There is no award for doing everything yourself and for suffering under the weight of things that are heavy. We all need supportive people around us, cheering us on as we navigate life.
ADVOCATE
For your needs and (if you have the capacity and opportunity to do so) for those who cannot advocate for themselves. If you are fortunate to be in a position of privilege, contribute what you can to creating positive and meaningful change.
BE PROUD
Of the person you are. Of your achievements and of your skills. Of your strengths and of the obstacles you have overcome. Don’t be ashamed of failure. Because failure is necessary for growth.
HAVE COMPASSION
For yourself and for others. Life isn’t always easy. When you make mistakes, which you will, acknowledge your mistakes, and learn from them.
BE KIND
Be kind to others. To your classmates, to your teachers, to your siblings, to your parents. To the people who you encounter when going about your life. Don’t let the world tell you that you need to be ruthless or aggressive to succeed.
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF
Take the time to discover what you are truly passionate about. Whether it is academic, creative, active or something completely unique. Find what makes you, you and what makes you happy. And NEVER compromise your morals or values.
We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kathryn for her support of this year's Awards Ceremony.
