At Kennedy, you’ll often hear us talking about opportunities for excellence and the promotion of lifelong learning. For many of our students, the foundation that they build with us at the College leads to the pursuit of higher education including at TAFE and university. Class of 2023 Graduate Jordan Pescud is taking this hunger for knowledge one step further by entering the ranks of the University of Cambridge as she takes up her study of History and Modern Languages (French).
It wasn’t an easy path for Jordan but she’s worked hard every step of the way, from overcoming sickness during the pandemic, to taking on six ATAR subjects, to going through one of the toughest university application processes we’ve seen: “I had to submit two pieces of written work, one for each subject, and also take an admissions test for each subject. Lastly, I had two interviews. One per subject, and within an hour of each other. This was the most terrifying phase, but also the best – how often is it that you get to talk about something you love with experts in that field?”
The staff at Cambridge certainly can be classed as experts with the course ranked Number 2 in the UK for History and Number 1 in the World for Modern Languages. While that might be intimidating for some, Jordan feels like Kennedy has prepared her for the intense period of study ahead through the great education by our staff and the instilling of College values.
This education, which went beyond the delivery of the curriculum through sessions at l’Alliançe Française and endearing support from her teachers, who Jordan admits, “entertained my many questions about the course content to meet my desire for further knowledge and would spend time discussing the subject and material outside of what was strictly on the curriculum, which enriched my understanding and allowed me to perform better academically.” The assessment of 10,000 word essays were an additional part of the effort by our teachers, although it’s not recommended that all students go over the word limit!
This extra work was all part of Jordan staying true to herself and she points to our value of Integrity as guiding her along her path. “If you aren’t committed to your subject,” says Jordan, “the university will see straight through you.” The value of Growth has also endeared itself to Jordan, whether through the formation of friendships at Kennedy and the balancing of a study life with a social one, or the learning of resilience and a willingness to make mistakes.
Thanks to these lessons, at no point did Jordan think that applying to one of the world’s best universities was a mistake! While there was always the risk that she wouldn’t be accepted, Jordan made sure to back herself in and held onto the belief that all of her hard work throughout her years at Kennedy would pay off.
So, beyond Kennedy Baptist College and looking even beyond the University of Cambridge, what lies in the future for Jordan Pescud?
“I see myself going into academia, ideally becoming a Dress Historian or Archivist like many of the scholars I look up to. I’m really excited to write a dissertation and I think the hardest part will be choosing what to write it on. There are some fascinating conversations going on in the Dress History field at the moment about bridging the gap between academic and craft spheres and, as someone involved in both, I want to be a part of that.”
Do you know someone from Winthrop, Somerville or Kennedy Baptist College who has continued to excel in their field? Encourage them to contact us through our Alumni Network!
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